divergences

USAGE SUMMARY

'divergences' is a correct word in written English.
It is used to refer to differences between opinions or ideas. For example: "Despite their divergences in opinion, the two sides still managed to come to a compromise."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Some go on to argue that the ECB's inflation target should be higher than the Bank of England's, to take account of divergences in inflation rates among the euro area's 12 members and so guard against the risk of deflation in an individual country.

The Economist

Now, Americans work a daunting 300 hours a year more.These divergences began at different times and for different reasons.

The Economist

Such large divergences have long been a puzzle to economists; poor countries ought to be able to learn from richer ones and borrow technology in order to produce more and raise their incomes.

The Economist

The trap also meant that global divergences in income were limited.

The Economist

In some parts of the country the housing bust has more or less come to an end, and prices are moving back up, but the depth of the decline associated with the popping housing bubble varied quite a bit across metropolitan areas.So what explains the divergences?

The Economist

Firms and workers would be less inclined to react to temporary divergences from the target by adjusting prices or demanding offsetting wage changes.

The Economist

The euro may have abolished market-based nominal exchange rates but it has led to marked divergences in real exchange rates (see chart).

The Economist

In any given period there are likely to be wide divergences between the returns of the different strategies; the best sector in the first half beat the worst by more than 20 percentage points.As a result, risk has a lot of different potential meanings for hedge-fund investors.

The Economist

Divergences from standard procedures are what usually create faults.Walking around the floor of Maytag's washing-machine factory in Iowa is like a lesson in modern industrial archaeology.

The Economist

Mr Citerne says the board decided to part with him because of "strategic divergences" over the future of Accor.

The Economist

That may change, though, as euro-wide capital markets develop.Changing habitsStructural change is likely to pose a bigger challenge than cyclical divergences.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "divergences", ensure that the context clearly specifies what is diverging from what. Providing specific details enhances clarity.

Common error

Avoid using "divergences" when simpler words like "differences" or "variations" would suffice. The term is most effective when describing significant or complex distinctions.

Linguistic Context

The word "divergences" functions primarily as a noun, denoting plural instances of deviation or difference. It's frequently used to describe discrepancies in data, opinions, or paths. Ludwig provides various examples illustrating its usage in diverse contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

46%

Science

40%

Encyclopedias

14%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Reference

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "divergences" is a noun commonly used to describe instances of separation or difference, particularly in formal contexts like news, science, and encyclopedias. As confirmed by Ludwig, it is grammatically correct and widely accepted. When using "divergences", ensure the context is clear about what is diverging. While alternatives like "differences" and "variations" exist, "divergences" often implies a more significant departure. Therefore, choose the most appropriate term based on the specific nuance you want to convey.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

variations

Focuses on the range of differences within a set of items or data.

discrepancies

Emphasizes inconsistencies or contradictions between different accounts or pieces of information.

differences

A general term for points where things are dissimilar.

disparities

Highlights inequalities or imbalances between groups or things.

deviations

Indicates a departure from a standard or norm.

variances

Refers to the extent to which data points differ from the average or expected value.

inconsistencies

Points out contradictions or logical flaws within a set of information.

distinctions

Emphasizes the clear and noticeable differences between items.

separations

Highlights the act of becoming or staying different.

contradictions

Stresses direct oppositions or incompatibilities.

FAQs

How can I use "divergences" in a sentence?

You can use "divergences" to describe differences or variations, such as "The study revealed significant divergences in economic policies between the two countries".

What are some alternatives to "divergences"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives like "differences", "variations", or "discrepancies".

What's the difference between "divergences" and "differences"?

"Divergences" often implies a more significant or structural separation, while "differences" is a more general term for dissimilarities. "Divergences" suggests a path moving away, not just a static difference.

In what contexts is it most appropriate to use "divergences"?

"Divergences" is suitable in contexts where you want to emphasize a significant departure or separation, often in trends, opinions, or data. It is frequently used in academic, scientific, and formal writing.