divergence

American  

[dih-vur-juhns, dahy-] / dɪˈvɜr dʒəns, daɪ- /

noun

1. the act, fact, or amount of diverging.

   a divergence in opinion.

   Synonyms:

   deviation, variation, division, separation

   Antonyms:

   convergence

2. (in physics, meteorology, etc.) the total amount of flux escaping an infinitesimal volume at a point in a vector field, as the net flow of air from a given region.

3. Ophthalmology. a turning motion of the eyeballs outward in relation to each other.

4. Electronics. the spreading of a stream of electrons resulting from their mutual electrostatic repulsion.

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divergence British  

/ daɪˈvɜːdʒəns /

noun

1. the act or result of diverging or the amount by which something diverges

2. the condition of being divergent

3. meteorol the outflowing of airstreams from a particular area, caused by expanding air

4. maths

   1. the scalar product of the operator, ∇, and a vector function, A , where ∇= i ∂/∂ x + j ∂/∂ y + k ∂/∂ z , and i , j , and k are unit vectors. Usually written: div A , ∇ A , or ∇A. See curl gradient

   2. the property of being divergent

5. the spreading of a stream of electrons as a result of their mutual electrostatic repulsion

6. the turning of the eyes outwards in order to fixate an object farther away than that previously being fixated Compare convergence

7. Also called: divergent evolution.  the evolutionary development of structures or organisms that differ from each other in form and function but have evolved from the same basic structure or organism Compare convergence

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divergence Scientific  

/ dĭ-vûr′jəns /

1. Mathematics The property or manner of failing to approach a limit, such as a point, line, or value.

2. Biology The evolution of different forms or structures in related species as they adapt to different environments. An example of divergence is the development of wings in bats from the same bones that form the arm and hand or paw in most other mammals.

3. Biology Also called divergent evolution

4. Biology Compare convergence

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Other Word Forms

• nondivergence noun

Etymology

Origin of divergence

From the Medieval Latin word dīvergentia, dating back to 1650–60. See diverge, -ence

Explanation

The point where two things split off from each other is called a divergence. When you're walking in the woods and face a divergence in the path, you have to make a choice about which way to go. A divergence doesn't have to be a physical split — it can also be a philosophical division. The divergence of opinion between a school board and a group of parents might cause such a heated argument that the students at the meeting are obviously better behaved than the adults. Divergence can also mean a deviation from standards or norms, like the divergence between your state's anti-littering laws and those of your neighboring states.

Example Sentences

Tesla’s stock has fallen 13% over six consecutive weeks, with analysts showing wide divergence in price targets, from $25.28 to $420.

From Barron's • Mar. 31, 2026

This approach combines anatomical features with fossil ages to estimate evolutionary relationships and divergence times.

From Science Daily • Mar. 27, 2026

This divergence could further widen economic, financial and policy gaps across regions.

From MarketWatch • Mar. 26, 2026

“This divergence highlights a deeper issue: the physical supply crunch has not been resolved.”

From The Wall Street Journal • Mar. 25, 2026

All that divergence of Australians and New Guineans from each other reflects lengthy isolation in very different environments.

From "Guns, Germs, and Steel: The Fates of Human Societies" by Jared M. Diamond

Related Words

• discrepancy
• disparity
• distinction
• diversity