Definition
Divergent is an adjective that describes something that moves or extends away from a common point, or that deviates from a standard or expected course.
Pronunciation
US English
UK English
Part of Speech
Adjective.
Synonyms
Different, dissimilar, separate, distinct, varying, deviating, diverging.
Antonyms
Convergent, converging, meeting, merging, combining, coalescing.
Word Forms
| Part of Speech | Words |
|---|---|
| Noun | divergencies, divergence, divergences, divergency |
| Verb | diverge, diverges, diverging, diverged |
| Adjective | divergent |
| Adverb | None |
Example Sentences
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The divergent views between the two politicians on key policy issues created a stark contrast in their approaches, as one advocated for progressive reforms while the other championed conservative ideologies, highlighting the deep divide within the political landscape and challenging the notion of finding common ground.
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The divergent paths of the two hikers eventually led them to opposite ends of the trail.
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The company’s sales figures showed divergent trends, with one product line surging while another floundered.
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The film adaptation was divergent from the original book, leaving out several key plot points.
Usage
The word divergent can be used in a variety of contexts. In mathematical terms, it is often used to describe a series or sequence that does not converge to a single value. In scientific fields such as biology, it can refer to the process of evolution in which two species that once shared a common ancestor move apart from each other over time.
Prefixes and suffixes can be added to the word divergent to change its meaning slightly. For example, adding the prefix “con-” can change the word to “convergent,” which means moving towards a common point. Similarly, adding the suffix “-ence” can create the noun form “divergence,” which refers to the act of diverging or moving away from a common point.
Overall, the word divergent is a useful adjective that can be used to describe a wide range of concepts, from the movement of objects to the evolution of species. Understanding its various forms and contexts can help you use it effectively in your writing and communication.