divergent

[dih-vur-juhnt, dahy-]

adjective

1. diverging; differing; deviating.

2. pertaining to or causing divergence.

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

divergent

/ daɪˈvɜːdʒənt /

adjective

1. diverging or causing divergence

2. (of opinions, interests, etc) different

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

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

Usage

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

Other Word Forms

• divergently adverb
• nondivergent adjective
• nondivergently adverb
• undivergent adjective
• undivergently adverb

Word History and Origins

Origin of divergent¹

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

Example Sentences

Apple’s divergent path has become somewhat controversial on Wall Street, with some investors worried the company has fallen behind on AI because of underinvestment.

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Apple’s divergent path has become somewhat controversial on Wall Street, with some investors worried the company has fallen behind on AI because of underinvestment.

Read more on MarketWatch

Broadcom’s charge up the ranks of the largest U.S. companies underscores how it’s increasingly seen as a winner of a more divergent AI trade.

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Chronert looked at the divergent performances of “Magnificent Seven” stocks so far this year.

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The Texas sisters’ divergent career paths reflect the shifting dynamics: White-collar jobs that once seemed solid are no longer so, and some skilled blue-collar work is looking like a safer bet.

Read more on The Wall Street Journal

Related Words

• atypical 
• conflicting 
• contradictory 
• contrary 
• different 
• disparate 
• dissimilar 
• diverse 
• various