diverge

[dih-vurj, dahy-]

verb (used without object)

diverged, diverging 

1. to move, lie, or extend in different directions from a common point; branch off.

   Synonyms: fork, deviate, separate

2. to differ in opinion, character, form, etc.; deviate.

3. Mathematics.,  (of a sequence, series, etc.) to have no unique limit; to have infinity as a limit.

4. to turn aside or deviate, as from a path, practice, or plan.

verb (used with object)

diverged, diverging 

1. to deflect or turn aside.

diverge

/ daɪˈvɜːdʒ /

verb

1. to separate or cause to separate and go in different directions from a point

2. (intr) to be at variance; differ

   our opinions diverge

3. (intr) to deviate from a prescribed course

4. (intr) maths (of a series or sequence) to have no limit

Other Word Forms

• nondiverging adjective
• undiverging adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of diverge¹

First recorded in 1655–65; from Medieval Latin dīvergere, from Latin dī- di- ² + vergere “to incline”

Word History and Origins

Origin of diverge¹

C17: from Medieval Latin dīvergere, from Latin _di- ² + vergere to turn

Synonym Study

See deviate.

Example Sentences

Short-term political interests of a president often diverge from sound long-term fiscal policy.

From Salon

For the first time in 30 years, the American Academy of Pediatrics is substantially diverging from U.S. government vaccine recommendations.

From Los Angeles Times

The visit was tightly controlled, with guides and guards accompanying them and a fixed itinerary that could not be diverged from without permission from North Korean authorities.

From BBC

This second half will explore the diverging roads the two friends take as they become the adversaries we originally came to know through Dorothy and Co..

From Los Angeles Times

Our goals diverged, with me moving further into my career while he questioned if the one he had chosen was right for him at all.

From Salon

Related Words

• deviate 
• differ 
• disagree 
• dissent 
• stray 
• vary