# diverge

/dɪˈvɝdʒ/ (US) · /daɪvˈɜːdʒ/ (UK) · CEFR B2 · Verb

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/diverge
Updated: 2026-05-20

## Definition

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.

For teachers: 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.

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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.