Definition

Disparate refers to things that are essentially different, or entirely unlike one another, especially in terms of their characteristics, qualities, or nature.

Pronunciation

US English

UK English

Part of Speech

Adjective

Synonyms

Different, distinct, dissimilar, separate, diverse, unequal, uneven, contrasting, various, divergent, heterogeneous.

Antonyms

Similar, uniform, identical, homogeneous, alike, comparable, analogous.

Word Forms

Part of Speech Words
Noun disparities, disparity, disparateness, disparatenesses
Verb None
Adjective disparate
Adverb None

Example Sentences

  • The company’s latest decision to hire employees from different backgrounds, cultures, and with varying skill sets has resulted in a disparate workforce that has the potential to create new innovative solutions.

  • The school has students with disparate learning abilities, and it’s important for teachers to design lessons that cater to the unique needs of each student.

  • The two cultures have disparate views on social norms and traditions, and as a result, there is often a disconnect when it comes to understanding each other.

  • The disparate economic policies of the two political parties have caused a deep divide in the country, leading to widespread social unrest.

Usage

The word ‘disparate’ is often used to highlight the distinct and different characteristics of two or more things. It is commonly used to describe things that are entirely unlike one another in terms of their characteristics or qualities. For example, in the field of medicine, doctors often refer to the disparate symptoms of patients with different illnesses, which makes it difficult to come up with a common diagnosis.

The word ‘disparate’ can also be used to describe groups of people or communities that are entirely different in terms of their social, economic, or cultural characteristics. For instance, the education system in some countries is structured to cater to the disparate learning abilities of students, which may involve different teaching styles, resources, or curriculums. Similarly, in business, companies often aim to hire a disparate workforce to promote diversity and inclusivity, which has been proven to increase innovation and creativity.

In conclusion, ‘disparate’ is a useful word to describe things that are entirely different in terms of their characteristics, qualities, or nature. It is commonly used in a wide range of contexts, from medicine to business, to highlight the diversity and uniqueness of different things or groups of people.