divergence

USAGE SUMMARY

The word 'divergence' is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when two things are diverging or becoming less similar, such as two people's opinions or two paths. For example, "The divergence of their paths was obvious as they both went in completely opposite directions."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Satellite imagery of the Amazon basin, the world's largest tropical forest and a critical bulwark against climate change, shows a stark divergence in the continent's preservation efforts.

The Guardian

For blood pressure it seems obvious that inheritance within groups is irrelevant to divergence between them; for IQ there is a curious readiness to accept that such differences are due to genes.

The Guardian

Emphasising the divergence between rich and poor, the report found that the bottom 20% of earners have 57% less in financial wealth than the bottom 20% in 2005.

The Guardian - Business

Assuming the divergence carries through to the final polls, one group of pollsters will be more accurate than the other.

The Guardian

There has been a divergence between phone and online polling throughout the campaign.

The Guardian

Another point of divergence is that, in recently settled urban areas, informal ties and reciprocities are likely to be more fragile.

The Guardian

Although the figures are similar to those for IQ, the response is oddly different: racial divergence, most say, is due to the environment - to poor diet or to smoking.

The Guardian

Sixth, the divergence of different parts of the UK and voters' lack of trust in politics require bigger solutions than those we put forward.

The Guardian - Opinion

The extraordinary divergence of the results, region by region, upset the computers and led to displays of extreme caution by some of the party leaders.

The Guardian

The stark divergence between realities on the ground and the ways in which the continent continues to exist in the west's popular imagination has ramifications beyond being politically incorrect.

The Guardian

Add to that the remaining factors of uncertainty: the divergence in results produced by phone and internet polling during the course of the campaign – and the distribution of the votes of smaller parties, ie where Ukip and Green votes fall.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "divergence", clearly specify what is diverging from what. For example, "the divergence between theory and practice" provides a clearer understanding than simply stating "there is divergence".

Common error

Avoid using "divergence" when you actually mean "convergence". "Divergence" implies moving apart, while convergence indicates moving together or becoming more similar.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "divergence" is as a noun. It refers to the act, state, or instance of diverging. According to Ludwig AI, the word is correct and usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

41%

Formal & Business

32%

Science

27%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "divergence" functions as a noun that describes the act or state of diverging. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and usability. It's frequently used in news, business, and scientific contexts to highlight separation, difference, or deviation. Remember to specify what is diverging from what, and avoid confusing it with "convergence". Its versatility makes it a valuable term across various forms of communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

deviation

Focuses on straying from a standard or norm.

discrepancy

Highlights a lack of compatibility or similarity between two or more facts.

variance

Emphasizes the state or fact of differing or being different.

separation

Indicates the act of moving or being moved apart.

difference

A general term for the state of being unlike or dissimilar.

departure

Implies a move away from a previous state or condition.

split

Suggests a division into two or more parts.

drift

Suggests a gradual movement away from an original course.

parting

Emphasizes the act of leaving or separating.

bifurcation

Describes the division of something into two branches or parts.

FAQs

How can I use "divergence" in a sentence?

You can use "divergence" to describe the act of splitting, differing, or moving in different directions. For instance, "The "divergence" in opinions led to a disagreement".

What's the difference between "divergence" and "deviation"?

"Divergence" refers to the act of splitting and moving in different directions, while "deviation" suggests a departure from a standard or norm. Both describe something moving away, but in a slightly different manner.

What are some synonyms for "divergence"?

Synonyms for "divergence" include "discrepancy", "variance", and "separation". The most appropriate choice depends on the specific context.

Is "divergence" a positive or negative term?

"Divergence" is neither inherently positive nor negative. Its connotation depends on the context. A "divergence" of opinions can be problematic, but a "divergence" in evolutionary paths can lead to biodiversity.