diversity

American  

[dih-vur-si-tee, dahy-] / dɪˈvɜr sɪ ti, daɪ- /

noun

diversities plural

1. the state or fact of being diverse; difference; unlikeness.

   diversity of opinion.

   Antonyms:

   similarity, sameness, resemblance

2. variety; multiformity.

   Synonyms:

   multiplicity, heterogeneity, assortment, variation, dissimilarity, disagreement, contrast

   Antonyms:

   homogeneity

3. 1. the spectrum of individual differences and the corresponding group memberships and identities that human beings have in society.

      A functioning multicultural society celebrates the diversity of its people, but diversity can also be problematic for the maintenance of a cohesive national identity.

   2. the inclusion of individuals representing more than one national origin, color, religion, socioeconomic stratum, sexual orientation, etc..

      an initiative to increase diversity in the workplace.

4. a point of difference.

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diversity British  

/ daɪˈvɜːsɪtɪ /

noun

1. the state or quality of being different or varied

2. a point of difference

3. logic the relation that holds between two entities when and only when they are not identical; the property of being numerically distinct

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Other Word Forms

Inflected Forms

noun

• diversities
  plural

Etymology

Origin of diversity

First recorded in 1300–50; Middle English diversite, from Anglo-French, from Latin dīversitās; see diverse, -ity

Explanation

When there's diversity, there's variety. Often, this word is used for diversity of race, class, or gender. To have diversity, you need a mix of whatever you're talking about. If you like science fiction, romantic comedies, cartoons, and action movies, then you like a diversity of types of films. If you like nothing but kung fu films, then you don't like a diversity of films. No matter what kind of diversity you're talking about, there needs to be a real mix, kind of like a huge box of Crayolas.

Example Sentences

He welcomes the diversity in ages and backgrounds, saying it "just enriches the crew in general."

From Barron's • Jun. 9, 2026

In leaders, CEOs constantly tell us, they look for breadth and diversity of experience, adaptability; a company is already full of industry-specific knowledge.

From The Wall Street Journal • Jun. 9, 2026

The Labour government, meanwhile, is promising a new equality and diversity strategy with a primary focus on getting working class people joining and progressing in the civil service.

From BBC • Jun. 8, 2026

But the shift has also raised concerns among some religious liberty advocates and observers who argue that the consolidation may obscure the diversity of belief systems within the armed forces.

From Salon • Jun. 6, 2026

The nearer we come to the present, the more apt we are to see diversity rather than unity.

From "History of Art, Volume 1" by H.W. Janson

Related Words

• diversification