Converge

/kənˈvɜːrdʒ/

verbIntermediate📊CommonAction
2 meanings1 idiom/phrase3 questions

Definitions

2 meanings
1

To approach the same point from different directions; to meet.

/kənˈvɜːrdʒ/

verbneutralIntermediate
Action

To move toward one point and meet.

The paths of the two hikers converged at the summit.

💡 Simply: Imagine two roads starting far apart, but they gradually get closer and meet at a certain place. That's what it means for things to converge. Like when you and your friend decide to meet at the park, your paths converge.

👶 For kids: When things come together and meet at one place.

More Examples

2

After years of research, the scientists' findings finally converged.

3

The interests of the two parties began to converge during the negotiations.

How It's Used

Geography

"The rivers converge at the delta."

Technology

"The data streams converge into a single output."

2

To move toward a common point or result; to tend to a common end.

/kənˈvɜːrdʒ/

verbneutralIntermediate
Action

To tend toward a common result or conclusion.

The economic forecasts converged on a positive outlook for the quarter.

💡 Simply: Imagine several different ideas or opinions that, over time, become more and more similar until they agree on something. This is when they converge, like when everyone finally agrees on what to have for dinner.

👶 For kids: When ideas or things start to become alike and agree on something.

More Examples

2

After much discussion, their opinions on the matter started to converge.

3

The different theories began to converge into a single, unified model.

How It's Used

Politics

"Their political viewpoints began to converge after the election."

Science

"The evidence seemed to converge on a single explanation."

Tip:Think of different ideas slowly becoming similar to each other and eventually agreeing, which results in convergence.

Synonyms & Antonyms

Idioms & expressions

converge on

To meet or focus on a particular point or subject.

"The investigation converged on the CEO as the prime suspect."

From Latin *convergere* ('to incline together'), from *con-* ('together') + *vergere* ('to incline').

The word 'converge' has been used since the late 16th century, often in geographical or astronomical contexts to describe lines or paths meeting at a point. Its usage has broadened over time to include abstract ideas and opinions.

Memory tip

Imagine two roads. They *con-* (together) *verge* (turn) and meet.

Word Origin

LanguageLatin
Original meaning

"to incline together"

converge on (a point)converge intoconverge at (a location)converge towards

Common misspellings

converageconveerge

Usage

40%Spoken
60%Written