diverse

[dih-vurs, dahy-, dahy-vurs]

adjective

1. of a different kind, form, character, etc.; unlike.

   a wide range of diverse opinions.

   Synonyms: divergent, manifold, varied

2. of various kinds or forms; multiform.

   Synonyms: disparate, dissimilar

3. including representatives from more than one social, cultural, or economic group, especially members of ethnic or religious minority groups.

   a diverse student body.

diverse

/ daɪˈvɜːs, ˈdaɪvɜːs /

adjective

1. having variety; assorted

2. distinct in kind

Other Word Forms

• diversely adverb
• diverseness noun
• undiverse adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of diverse¹

First recorded in 1275–1325; Middle English, from Latin dīversus (past participle of dīvertere “to divert ”), equivalent to dī- di- ² + vert- (base of vertere “to turn”) + -tus, past participle suffix, with -tt- regularly becoming -s-

Word History and Origins

Origin of diverse¹

C13: from Latin dīversus; see _divers

Example Sentences

Whether the festival truly permits diverse perspectives to be aired is up for debate.

From BBC

One Beverly Hills will feature botanical gardens that reflect the diverse landscape of Southern California, with drought-resistant native plants fed solely on recycled water, including rainfall and the runoff from residents’ sinks and showers.

From Los Angeles Times

He questioned whether Farage and Reform love "our beautiful, tolerant, diverse country" or whether they just want to "stir the pot of division because that's what works for their interests".

From BBC

In 1994, the California Public Utilities Commission shifted the state’s emphasis away from creating a renewable and diverse energy mix and toward simply buying the cheapest possible power.

From Los Angeles Times

A shortage estimate for a state as large and diverse as California may have the same problem.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• differing www.thesaurus.com
• disparate 
• distinct 
• divergent 
• diversified 
• varied 

When To Use

What are other ways to say diverse?

The adjective diverse describes things that are different in kind, form, or character. How does diverse compare to synonyms various, distinct, and different? Find out on Thesaurus.com.