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

Example Sentences

PC Park was found to have breached standards of professional behaviour for authority, respect and courtesy, discreditable conduct, challenging and reporting improper conduct, and equality and diversity, Scotland Yard said.

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Lately, though, the conventional wisdom has been challenged, and for good reason: Independent, peer-reviewed research has found no correlation—let alone causation—between diversity and performance.

Read more on The Wall Street Journal

The letter notes "the importance of regional diversity" without specifying a required area.

Read more on Barron's

She said the responses showed the quango needed greater diversity in its board, staff and the projects it funded.

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Questions about social justice and diversity became popular after the Black Lives Matter movement grew a few years ago.

Read more on The Wall Street Journal

Related Words

• diversification