convergent

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "convergent" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used in contexts related to mathematics, science, or discussions about ideas or approaches that come together or meet at a point. Example: "The two theories are convergent, leading to a unified understanding of the phenomenon."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

I shall mean by a convergent series, one that converges on a finite, positive value, and by a non-convergent series, one that increases ad infinitum.

SEP

Unlike the rationals however the reals have the completeness property, that the set of all upper bounds of any nonempty set of reals is either empty or has a least member, needed for convergent sequences to have a limit to converge to.

SEP

But he proposes to bridge the gap by arguing that first, the desires of fully rational agents converge regardless of their starting points (Smith 1994), and second, that among these convergent desires are desires for the sort of things that commonsense morality requires (Smith 2012).

SEP

Building on the "parameters" laid down by President Bill Clinton in 2000, along with various other convergent scenarios such as the Arab League's initiative of 2002 and the unofficial Geneva Accords of 2003, he could delineate the contours of an agreement.

The Economist

Unlike Gould, he thinks that if evolution were replayed from the beginning, a lot of things would turn out the same.Dr Conway-Morris has arrived at this view from a detailed study of what is known as convergent evolution.

The Economist

That appeared to be a coincidence; a case of convergent evolution.

The Economist

That made EMU the only feasible route to currency stability.Related items Europe's mid-life crisis: Convergent enough?May 29th 1997There are other gains to be had from a single currency.

The Economist

Like the convergent flows of a tsunami, the waves of crowds calling for democracy gained momentum in Tunis's November 7 Square and Cairo's Tahrir Square.

The Economist

But it also illustrates why it is so important to ensure that the economy is as convergent as possible with the euro area before signing up to membership.

The Economist

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

2 human-written examples

Aristotle recognizes, but does not treat separately a corresponding non-convergent series by division, where one starts with an infinite magnitude, such that even with an infinite division, one ends up with an infinite magnitude.

SEP

The intuitive idea is that varying and possibly incompatible cognitive principles, ground-level beliefs and presuppositions, or what Wittgenstein calls "hinge" and "bedrock" propositions (Wittgenstein 1969: §§341 343) separate non-convergent epistemic schemes.

SEP

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing trends or ideas, use "convergent" to highlight how different elements are moving towards a unified conclusion or outcome. For example: "The "convergent" research suggests a new approach."

Common error

Avoid using "convergent" simply to mean "similar" or "related". "Convergent" implies a process of coming together or focusing on a specific point, not just a general resemblance.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "convergent" is as an adjective. It modifies nouns to describe a quality of approaching, meeting, or focusing on a single point or outcome. As Ludwig AI indicates, "convergent" is usable in written English and is widely applicable across diverse subjects.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

40%

News & Media

30%

Encyclopedias

15%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Reference

5%

Wiki

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the term "convergent" functions primarily as an adjective, denoting a tendency to move towards a common point or conclusion. As affirmed by Ludwig AI, the term is grammatically sound and frequently used. Its usage spans diverse domains, including science, news, and encyclopedic contexts, reflecting its broad applicability. When employing "convergent", it's vital to emphasize the process of coming together rather than mere similarity, as that is one of the most common mistakes. Alternatives such as "merging" or "focusing" may be suitable depending on the intended nuance.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

merging

Implies a blending together to form a single entity, differing from "convergent" which suggests approaching a common point.

meeting

Suggests a coming together at a specific point or time, less focused on the process of approaching.

focusing

Emphasizes the act of concentrating on a specific point or area, rather than the coming together.

approaching

Highlights the action of moving closer, without necessarily reaching a specific point or agreement.

tending towards

Indicates a direction or inclination, suggesting a less definite endpoint than "convergent".

concurring

Focuses on agreement or alignment in opinion or thought, differing from a physical coming together.

unifying

Emphasizes the creation of a single, cohesive whole, which may not be the primary focus of "convergent".

aligning

Suggests arranging in a line or bringing into cooperation, less specific than "convergent".

drawing together

Highlights the act of bringing elements closer, without necessarily implying a single point of convergence.

integrating

Implies combining parts into a functioning whole, which is a broader meaning than "convergent".

FAQs

How can I use "convergent" in a sentence?

You can use "convergent" to describe things that are coming together or focusing on a single point. For example: "The "convergent" lines met at the vertex" or "The "convergent" opinions of the committee led to a quick decision."

What is an alternative to using "convergent"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives like "merging", "focusing", or "aligning".

Is it correct to say "convergent" when I mean "similar"?

While "convergent" and "similar" can sometimes overlap in meaning, it's not always accurate to use them interchangeably. "Convergent" implies a coming together or focusing, whereas "similar" simply means having common characteristics. Use "similar" when describing resemblance.

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

"Convergent" describes things moving toward a single point, while "divergent" describes things moving away from a single point. They are antonyms. For instance, "convergent" thinking focuses on finding one solution, while "divergent" thinking explores many possibilities.