# disparate

/ˈdɪspɝɪt/ (US) · /dˈɪspəɹət/ (UK)

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/disparate
Updated: 2026-08-27

## Senses

### 1. fundamentally different

adjective · CEFR C1 · Academic · Formal

made up of things that are very different from one another and have no obvious connection.

For teachers: composed of inherently different or distinct elements that are often incongruous or difficult to reconcile.

- The team was made up of a disparate group of people with very different backgrounds.
- The collection brought together disparate elements of mid-century design and modern industrial aesthetics into a surprisingly cohesive exhibition.

Usage: Usually used to describe a group, collection, or set of ideas.

Teaching tip: Learners often confuse this with 'different'. Emphasize that 'disparate' implies the things are so different they shouldn't naturally be together.

### 2. dissimilar things

noun · CEFR C2 · Academic · Formal

things that are so different they cannot be compared.

For teachers: things that are fundamentally unequal or dissimilar; typically used in the plural to refer to a set of unrelated items.

- It is difficult to find a common theme among such disparates.
- The philosopher argued that attempting to categorize such disparates under a single heading was a logical error.

Usage: Almost exclusively used in the plural form 'disparates'.

Teaching tip: The noun form is very rare and mostly found in academic or philosophical texts.

## Examples

- The team is made of people from disparate backgrounds.
- The museum's collection includes disparate items ranging from ancient pottery to modern digital art.
- The coalition was formed by disparate political groups who, despite their conflicting ideologies, shared a common goal of reforming the national healthcare system.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.