divergent

[dih-vur-juhnt, dahy-]

adjective

1. diverging; differing; deviating.

2. pertaining to or causing divergence.

3. (of a mathematical expression) having no finite limits.

divergent

/ daɪˈvɜːdʒənt /

adjective

1. diverging or causing divergence

2. (of opinions, interests, etc) different

3. maths (of a series) having no limit; not convergent

4. botany (of plant organs) farther apart at their tops than at their bases

Usage

The use of divergent to mean different as in they hold widely divergent views is considered by some people to be incorrect

Other Word Forms

• divergently adverb
• nondivergent adjective
• nondivergently adverb
• undivergent adjective
• undivergently adverb

Word History and Origins

Origin of divergent¹

First recorded in 1690–1700, divergent is from the Medieval Latin word dīvergent- (stem of dīvergēns, present participle of dīvergere ). See diverge, -ent

Example Sentences

Since they became eligible for parole, their paths through the system have led to vastly divergent outcomes.

From Los Angeles Times

Norris' controlled, defensive drive in an intense race, with the two title rivals on divergent strategies, reduces his deficit to Piastri in the championship to nine points heading into Formula 1's summer break.

From BBC

Part of the issue, according to Reece Peck, a communications scholar and author of “Fox Populism: Branding Conservatism as Working Class,” comes down to divergent social identities and language.

From Salon

Starvation appears to be an inflection point for European countries - a moral impetus to drive their divergent diplomacy.

From BBC

Norris' side of the McLaren team chose a divergent tyre strategy when the drivers pitted to switch to slick, dry-weather tyres as the track dried.

From BBC

Related Words

• atypical 
• conflicting 
• contradictory 
• contrary 
• different 
• disparate 
• dissimilar 
• diverse 
• various