disparate backgrounds

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "disparate backgrounds" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to refer to people, places, or things that have very different origins. For example, you might say: "The students in the classroom came from disparate backgrounds, each with a unique story to share."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Despite their disparate backgrounds, however, everyone clicked.

The New York Times - Magazine

"What is unusual here is the disparate backgrounds.

The Guardian - Music

From such disparate backgrounds, the two have been thrown together.

The New York Times - Sports

The couple brought disparate backgrounds to the project.

The New York Times

The environmental chiefs hail from widely disparate backgrounds.

The New York Times

There are ten dancers in STREB, five men and five women, from roughly disparate backgrounds.

The New Yorker

Divergent characters, disparate backgrounds, and different attitudes toward life presumably provoked the antagonism.

Britannica

Nunes and Trump could hardly have come from more disparate backgrounds.

The Washington Post

One aspect of "interbeing" is understanding our interconnection with people across disparate backgrounds.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

From disparate backgrounds and with almost nothing in common, it did not take long for the two to clash.

The New York Times - Sports

It takes people with disparate backgrounds and beliefs and brings them into line with mainstream norms of reason and taste.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "disparate backgrounds" to highlight how differences in people's origins or experiences can lead to diverse perspectives or challenges within a group or situation.

Common error

Avoid using "disparate backgrounds" when simply referring to diverse interests or skills. This phrase specifically relates to differences in origin, upbringing, or significant life experiences, not just surface-level variations.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "disparate backgrounds" functions as a noun phrase modified by the adjective "disparate". It typically acts as a subject or object in a sentence, referring to individuals or groups with significantly different origins, experiences, or characteristics. Ludwig confirms that the phrase is grammatically correct and widely used.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

47%

Academia

25%

Science

14%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

4%

Wiki

3%

Formal & Business

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "disparate backgrounds" is a grammatically correct and widely used term that emphasizes the significant differences in people's origins, experiences, or characteristics. As Ludwig highlights, this phrase functions as a noun phrase, often used as a subject or object in a sentence, and serves to explain diverse perspectives or challenges arising from varied origins.

Its usage spans across various contexts, from News & Media to Academia and Science, indicating its versatility and relevance. While it's often used in neutral and professional registers, it is important to use the phrase when referring to differences in origin, upbringing, or significant life experiences and not just surface-level variations.

Alternative phrases like "diverse origins" or "varied experiences" can be used depending on the specific emphasis needed. However, "disparate backgrounds" specifically underscores the lack of common ground, highlighting more profound differences.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

diverse origins

Focuses on the variety of starting points or birthplaces.

varied experiences

Highlights the differences in the life events and exposures people have had.

dissimilar histories

Emphasizes the lack of commonality in the past events and developments of individuals or groups.

contrasting upbringings

Specifically refers to the differences in how people were raised and educated.

divergent paths

Highlights the separate routes or trajectories people have followed in their lives.

distinctive pasts

Emphasizes the unique and individual nature of people's previous experiences.

unrelated heritages

Stresses the lack of common ancestry or cultural traditions.

different walks of life

Refers to the varied social and economic circumstances people come from.

assorted provenances

Highlights the different places of origin or sources of something.

heterogeneous circumstances

Emphasizes the mixed and varied conditions or situations people find themselves in.

FAQs

How can I use "disparate backgrounds" in a sentence?

Use "disparate backgrounds" to emphasize differences in origin, upbringing, or experience. For example, "The success of the team was due to members coming from "diverse backgrounds"".

What's a simple way to describe "disparate backgrounds"?

"Disparate backgrounds" simply means that people come from very different life experiences, cultures, or origins.

What is the difference between "disparate backgrounds" and "diverse backgrounds"?

"Disparate backgrounds" emphasizes greater differences and a lack of common ground compared to "diverse backgrounds", which can simply refer to variety.

Can "disparate backgrounds" lead to conflict?

Yes, "disparate backgrounds" can sometimes lead to conflict if there is a lack of understanding or empathy between individuals or groups. But differences can also foster innovation, see the example of "varied perspectives".