# divergence

/daɪˈvɝdʒəns/ (US) · /daɪvˈɜːdʒəns/ (UK) · CEFR C1 · Noun

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/divergence
Updated: 2026-05-08

## Definition

a situation where two things start to become different or move in different directions.

For teachers: 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.

## Usage notes

- Uncountable when referring to the abstract process; countable when referring to specific instances or points of difference.

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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.