Meaning & use
divergence
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Meanings
nouncountable or uncountable
The process of moving apart or growing different from a common starting point.
Grammar: Often followed by between or from: a divergence between the two.
Patterns
- divergence between something and something
- divergence from something
There was a growing divergence between the two groups.
The divergence from the original plan surprised everyone.
The roads show a clear divergence at the village.
nouncountable
A difference in opinion, approach or result.
Grammar: Used for views: a divergence of opinion.
Patterns
- a divergence of opinion
A divergence of opinion split the committee.
The study found a divergence in test scores.
There is some divergence in their methods.
noununcountablemathematics
In mathematics, the failure of a series or quantity to approach a fixed value, or a measure of how a vector field spreads outward.
Grammar: Technical sense.
Patterns
- divergence of something
The divergence of the series shows it has no finite sum.
Calculating divergence helps describe fluid flow.
The test shows divergence at large values.
noununcountablebiology
In biology, the process by which related species become different over time.
Grammar: Used in evolution: divergence of species.
Patterns
- divergence of species
Divergence of the two bird species took millions of years.
Isolated islands encourage divergence.
Genetic divergence can lead to new species.
Word forms
| plural | divergences |
|---|
Common combinations
- sharp divergence
- There was a sharp divergence in their views.
- divergence from
- Any divergence from the plan must be approved.
- divergence of opinion
- A divergence of opinion slowed the talks.
- growing divergence
- A growing divergence separates rich and poor regions.
- genetic divergence
- Genetic divergence marks the two populations.
Synonyms and how they differ
- difference
- A plain word for any difference, while divergence suggests gradual separation from a shared origin.
- deviation
- Means moving away from a standard or expected course, and often sounds more negative.
- split
- Sounds sudden and more informal, while divergence is gradual.
- disparity
- Emphasizes an unfair or large gap between things.
Opposites
Word family
- diverge verb
- to separate and go in different directions
- divergent adjective
- becoming different
- convergence noun
- the coming together of things
- divergently adverb
- in a way that moves apart
Commonly confused: divergence or diversion?
divergence vs diversion
A diversion is a change of direction or a distraction, while divergence is a separation into different paths.
Practice
A growing ____ between the party's leaders and its voters worried strategists.
Choose one answer.
Divergence means moving apart. Convergence is the opposite, and agreement and alliance would not cause worry in this way.
Make it your own
Write a sentence using “divergence”, then check it and compare it with the examples above.