diversity

[dih-vur-si-tee, dahy-]

noun

plural

diversities 

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.

diversity

/ 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

Word History and Origins

Origin of diversity¹

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

Related Words

• diversification