Word
diverge
Phoneticsdi·verge, stress on the second syllable
US/dɪˈvɝdʒ/
UK/daɪvˈɜːdʒ/
Definition
v. to move away from a common path or to become different from something else. In math, it means two lines or numbers go in different directions and never meet.
v. to move away from a common point or path; to become distinct or different. In a mathematical context, it describes the behavior of two curves or sequences that do not intersect and maintain a growing distance.
Examples
“The two roads diverge at the old bridge.”
“The two lines on the graph begin to diverge as the value of x increases.”
“While the initial results appeared similar, the two research teams eventually diverged in their conclusions regarding the long-term impact of the policy change.”
Examples
simple
“The two roads diverge at the old bridge.”
contextual
“The two lines on the graph begin to diverge as the value of x increases.”
complex
“While the initial results appeared similar, the two research teams eventually diverged in their conclusions regarding the long-term impact of the policy change.”
Real-World Examples
“The women's stories diverged in two very different directions.” “That is when bulgeless and bulge-hosting galaxies diverged sharply—the opposite of what a merger-driven growth model would predict.” “The fortunes of the chains have diverged so much that Madewell’s I.P.O. will help raise much-needed capital for its parent, J. Crew, which will remain private.” “In some ways, the lives of Gabbert and Dark represent the diverging fates of two parts of America in the past two decades.” Etymology
From Medieval Latin dīvergō (“bend away from, go in a different direction”), from Latin dī- + vergō (“bend”).
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
Word family
VERB
NOUN
ADJECTIVE
- Exam level
- CambridgeCambridgeCambridge English QualificationsThe exam suite from Cambridge University Press & Assessment, from A1 Movers up to C2 Proficiency. The benchmark names double as CEFR labels.B2 FirstIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.5.5–6.5TOEFL iBTTOEFL iBTTest of English as a Foreign Language, Internet-Based TestETS's academic English test, the standard route for US university admissions. Scored 0–120, with a 1–6 scale since 2026.1–6 scale: 4.0–4.572–94TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.785–944
- Frequency
- Occasional
- Level
- B2 · Upper Intermediate
- Updated
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englishreference.com/q/diverge