diversity

American  

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

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.

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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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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

The beauty, diversity and potential fragility of the Isle of Man's natural environment is being celebrated in a week-long series of events.

From BBC • Apr. 25, 2026

Protecting native fungal biodiversity is critical for maintaining healthy forests and preserving the genetic diversity needed to adapt to climate change.

From Science Daily • Apr. 24, 2026

“Middle East developments didn’t impact us in the first quarter. Uncertainties remain, but our diversity across businesses, geographies, industries, and large enterprise clients position us well,” CEO Arvind Krishna said on the earnings call.

From Barron's • Apr. 23, 2026

“Los Angeles is one of the most diverse cities in the world, and that diversity is our strength,” said Chris Fajardo, Angel City FC’s vice president of community relations, in a statement.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 23, 2026

The field of ethnomusicology is well positioned to contribute toward multicultural and diversity education, and, after a brief description of ethnomusicology, its tenets will be applied towards an examination of them.

From "Music and the Child" by Natalie Sarrazin

Related Words

• diversification