divergent

[ dih-vur-juhnt, dahy- ]
See synonyms for divergent on Thesaurus.com
adjective
  1. diverging; differing; deviating.

  2. pertaining to or causing divergence.

  1. (of a mathematical expression) having no finite limits.

Origin of divergent

1
First recorded in 1690–1700, divergent is from the Medieval Latin word dīvergent- (stem of dīvergēns, present participle of dīvergere). See diverge, -ent

Other words from divergent

  • di·ver·gent·ly, adverb
  • non·di·ver·gent, adjective
  • non·di·ver·gent·ly, adverb
  • un·di·ver·gent, adjective
  • un·di·ver·gent·ly, adverb

Words Nearby divergent

Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2024

How to use divergent in a sentence

  • We shall have here two divergent lines of approach within parallel fields.

    We're Friends, Now | Henry Hasse
  • This doctrine has been followed, and is still followed, by the majority of men; it is the source of divergent beliefs and acts.

    My Religion | Leo Tolstoy
  • Opinions as to the wisdom of giving such manuals to penitents are certainly very divergent.

  • The divergent interests of the farming, free trade West and of the manufacturing, protectionist East made for friction.

    The Canadian Dominion | Oscar D. Skelton
  • The two creeds represent two absolutely divergent sections of humanity.

British Dictionary definitions for divergent

divergent

/ (daɪˈvɜːdʒənt) /


adjective
  1. diverging or causing divergence

  2. (of opinions, interests, etc) different

  1. maths (of a series) having no limit; not convergent

  2. botany (of plant organs) farther apart at their tops than at their bases

usage For divergent

The use of divergent to mean different as in they hold widely divergent views is considered by some people to be incorrect

Derived forms of divergent

  • divergently, adverb

Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012