Divergent

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "Divergent" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe something that is differing or deviating from a standard or norm, often in a context of ideas, paths, or opinions. Example: "The divergent views on climate change sparked a heated debate among the panelists."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

But the practice of urban exploration has now splintered under the weight of relentless media attention, crackdowns by authorities and attempts at marketing exploitation – reforming along divergent lines.

The Guardian

The divergent reactions to the police killings of Riley, a mother of three, and Arfee, a Labrador-hound mix, speaks to a disturbing indifference to some human lives lost during encounters with police.

The Guardian

It soon became clear that we were an odd couple, with divergent political views and upbringings.

The Guardian

But we all know the divergent paths these teams took - one to World Cup glory and umpteenth Bledisloe Cup wins, the other towards mediocrity, scandal, bitterness and ultimately implosion at the height of the Beale/McKenzie/Di Patston texting debacle.

The Guardian - Sport

The risk of civil war is compounded by the starkly divergent versions of the truth believed by different communities in Ukraine, by most Russians, and many in the west.

The Guardian - Opinion

Only the bigoted would demand Indigenous politics to be homogeneous, of course, when there are so many divergent black views and approaches.

The Guardian - Opinion

"This divergent and over-inclusive way of thinking reflects many of the thought processes and patterns seen in psychosis.

The Guardian

The official added that both lenders were digging in their heels on divergent issues, effectively enforcing "red lines everywhere".

The Guardian

Can the divergent interests and priorities of euro zone "ins" and "outs" still be reconciled?

The Economist

And it drew attention to moves within Europe to shape widely divergent regulatory regimes into a single corral.Across the pond, America's Securities and Exchange Commission SECC) is wrestling with its own problems, especially a controversial new rule requiring hedge-fund managers to register from next year.

The Economist

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

1 human-written examples

Depends how much the Fault in our Stars/Divergent teams have mobilised support for Shailene Woodley.

The Guardian - Film

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "divergent", ensure the context clearly establishes what the subject is diverging from. Specificity enhances clarity and avoids ambiguity.

Common error

While "divergent" implies differences, it specifically suggests a movement away from a common point or standard. Avoid using it interchangeably with "diverse", which simply denotes variety without the implication of deviation.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "divergent" is as an adjective. It modifies nouns to describe something that is moving in different directions or differing from a norm or standard. As Ludwig AI points out, the phrase is considered correct and usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

65%

Formal & Business

20%

Science

15%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "divergent" functions as an adjective that describes separation, differing opinions, or movement away from a common point. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and usability. It's frequently found in News & Media contexts, with a noticeable presence in Formal & Business and Scientific domains. While similar to "diverse", "divergent" implies a specific movement away from a norm. To enhance clarity, specify what is diverging. The phrase carries a neutral to formal register and is a versatile tool for expressing distinction in various forms of writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Diverging

Similar to divergent, but emphasizes the process of moving apart.

Differing

Focuses on the act of being unlike or distinct.

Deviating

Emphasizes straying from a standard or norm.

Varying

Highlights the presence of differences or changes.

Contrasting

Stresses a comparison revealing notable differences.

Dissimilar

Simply indicates a lack of resemblance.

Distinct

Points out clear and recognizable differences.

Inconsistent

Suggests a lack of uniformity or predictability.

Unconventional

Indicates a departure from established norms or practices.

Non-uniform

Emphasizes a lack of sameness or standardization.

FAQs

How to use "divergent" in a sentence?

Use "divergent" to describe paths, opinions, or results that are moving in different directions or differing from a norm. For example, "The "divergent paths" of the two companies led to different outcomes."

What can I say instead of "divergent"?

You can use alternatives like "differing", "deviating", or "varying" depending on the context.

Which is correct, "divergent" or "diverse"?

Both words are correct, but they have different meanings. "Divergent" implies a moving apart or differing from a standard, while "diverse" simply means varied or different.

What's the difference between "divergent" and "diverging"?

"Divergent" is an adjective describing something that differs or moves apart, while "diverging" is the present participle of the verb 'diverge', indicating the action of moving apart. For example, "Divergent opinions" versus "diverging paths".