Meaning & use

Diverging

verb·Everyday

Last updated

Developing or moving in different directions from a common point, or differing from a certain standard or expectation.

See it in a sentence

The two paths kept diverging until they were nearly a mile apart.

Her opinions on the policy were diverging sharply from the rest of the board.

A note on using this word

Comes from the Latin 'divergere,' meaning to turn away in different directions; commonly used in geometry, biology, and everyday discussion of opinions.

Words with a similar meaning

branchingseparating

Choose a synonym to suit the sentence. Meanings can overlap without being identical.

Words with an opposite meaning

converging

Another way to use it

2. adjective

Relating to lines, rays, or series that spread apart rather than meet, especially in mathematics or optics.

A diverging lens spreads light rays outward rather than focusing them.

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