diverge

[dih-vurj, dahy-]

verb (used without object)

diverged, diverging 

1. to move, lie, or extend in different directions from a common point; branch off.

   Synonyms: fork, deviate, separate

2. to differ in opinion, character, form, etc.; deviate.

3. Mathematics.,  (of a sequence, series, etc.) to have no unique limit; to have infinity as a limit.

4. to turn aside or deviate, as from a path, practice, or plan.

verb (used with object)

diverged, diverging 

1. to deflect or turn aside.

diverge

/ daɪˈvɜːdʒ /

verb

1. to separate or cause to separate and go in different directions from a point

2. (intr) to be at variance; differ

   our opinions diverge

3. (intr) to deviate from a prescribed course

4. (intr) maths (of a series or sequence) to have no limit

Other Word Forms

• nondiverging adjective
• undiverging adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of diverge¹

First recorded in 1655–65; from Medieval Latin dīvergere, from Latin dī- di- ² + vergere “to incline”

Word History and Origins

Origin of diverge¹

C17: from Medieval Latin dīvergere, from Latin _di- ² + vergere to turn

Synonym Study

See deviate.

Example Sentences

But around Labor Day, the two started to diverge.

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Though they would never admit it publicly, the executives in charge of baseball will be watching the Dodgers-Brewers showdown with diverging rooting interests.

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The speech showed the sharply diverging attitude of U.S. and Chinese leadership toward clean energy and climate change.

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More states and medical societies are diverging from the CDC and its vaccine advisers to push for broader vaccination against Covid.

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ADP’s monthly numbers sometimes diverge widely from BLS figures, which are based on a broader survey of employers.

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Related Words

• deviate 
• differ 
• disagree 
• dissent 
• stray 
• vary