Word
divergence
Phoneticsdi·ver·gence, stress on the second syllable
US/daɪˈvɝdʒəns/
UK/daɪvˈɜːdʒəns/
Countable & uncountable
Definition
n. a situation where two things start to become different or move in different directions.
n. the process or state of moving apart or becoming increasingly different from a common point or standard.
Examples
“There is a growing divergence between their political views.”
“The divergence in economic growth between the two regions led to significant migration toward the industrial centers.”
“While the two species share a common ancestor, their evolutionary divergence is clearly visible in the distinct shapes of their beaks and nesting habits.”
Examples
simple
“There is a growing divergence between their political views.”
contextual
“The divergence in economic growth between the two regions led to significant migration toward the industrial centers.”
complex
“While the two species share a common ancestor, their evolutionary divergence is clearly visible in the distinct shapes of their beaks and nesting habits.”
Usage
Uncountable when referring to the abstract process; countable when referring to specific instances or points of difference.
Real-World Examples
“A divergence opened after 2008 and accelerated after 2016, with Democrats now 28 points more likely than working-class voters to think we should worry more about equality.” “However, on large islands, geographic distance may restrict movement, while environmental variation may impose divergent selection, thereby promoting adaptive divergence.” 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.C1 AdvancedIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.7.0–8.0TOEFL 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: 5.0–5.595–113TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.945–990
- Frequency
- Occasional
- Level
- C1 · Advanced
- Updated
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