Divergent
/daɪˈvɜːrdʒənt/
Definitions
Differing; deviating; moving or extending in different directions from a common point.
/daɪˈvɜːrdʒənt/
Tending to be different or develop in different directions.
Their opinions on the issue were divergent.
💡 Simply: Think of a fork in the road! If paths take different routes, they're divergent. It's about things moving apart, not staying the same.
👶 For kids: When things go different ways, like two roads or two friends who want to do different things, that's divergent!
More Examples
The paths of the two friends became divergent after high school.
Divergent interests led to the group splitting up.
How It's Used
"Divergent evolution leads to different species developing from a common ancestor."
"The two parties hold divergent views on economic policy."
"The artist's work displayed divergent styles influenced by various cultures."
Synonyms & Antonyms
Synonyms
Antonyms
From Latin *divergentem* (nominative *divergens*), present participle of *divergere* 'to turn aside, differ', from *di-* 'apart' + *vergere* 'to bend, incline'.
The word 'divergent' has been used since the 17th century to describe things that move apart or differ.
Memory tip
Imagine a river splitting into multiple branches – those branches are divergent.
Word Origin
"to bend, incline"