divergent

USAGE SUMMARY

'divergent' is correct and usable in written English.
Divergent can be used to refer to two or more things that are different from one another. For example, "The opinions of the two groups were divergent on the issue."

✓ 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

Use "divergent" to precisely describe elements that move away from a central point or standard, avoiding vagueness.

Common error

Don't use "divergent" when you mean "diverse". "Divergent" implies a separation or moving apart, while "diverse" simply means varied or different.

Linguistic Context

The word "divergent" primarily functions as an adjective. Ludwig AI confirms that it is correct and usable in written English. It modifies nouns to describe something that deviates, branches off, or differs from a standard or norm.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

62%

Formal & Business

18%

Science

12%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "divergent" is an adjective used to describe something that is moving apart or differing from a standard. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage in English. It is commonly used in news, business, and academic contexts to highlight differences, as indicated by the examples provided. When writing, remember to use "divergent" when you want to emphasize differences, and avoid confusing it with "diverse". Consider alternatives like "different" or "varying" depending on the nuance you want to convey.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

differing

A more direct synonym emphasizing the act of differing.

varying

Highlights the range and degree of difference.

dissimilar

Emphasizes a lack of similarity or resemblance.

distinct

Focuses on clear and easily recognizable differences.

contrasting

Highlights the differences when comparing two or more things.

disparate

Indicates a fundamental difference or inequality.

deviating

Emphasizes a departure from a standard or norm.

conflicting

Focuses on opposition or incompatibility.

at odds

A more idiomatic expression indicating disagreement or conflict.

poles apart

An idiomatic phrase expressing extreme difference.

FAQs

How to use "divergent" in a sentence?

"Divergent" is used to describe things that are moving in different directions or differing from each other. For example, "The "divergent opinions" on the matter led to a heated debate."

What can I say instead of "divergent"?

You can use alternatives like "different", "varying", or "dissimilar" depending on the specific context.

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

"Divergent" is an adjective describing a state of being different or moving apart. "Diverging" is a verb form describing the action of moving apart. Use "divergent" to describe nouns and "diverging" to describe actions.

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

"Divergent" implies a separation or moving apart, while "diverse" refers to variety or heterogeneity. For example, "divergent paths" suggests paths moving away from each other, whereas "diverse opinions" suggests a variety of different opinions.