# diverse

/daɪˈvɝs/ (US) · /daɪvˈɜːs/ (UK)

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/diverse
Updated: 2026-06-19

## Senses

### 1. varied or different

adjective · CEFR B2 · General-service

including many different types of things or people.

For teachers: composed of distinct or unlike elements or qualities.

- The city has a very diverse population with people from all over the world.
- The ecosystem supports a diverse range of flora and fauna, many of which are found nowhere else on the continent.

Usage: Often followed by the preposition 'range of'.

### 2. socially inclusive

adjective · CEFR B2 · Academic

including people from different backgrounds, such as different races, genders, or religions.

For teachers: composed of people from a variety of demographic backgrounds, particularly those representing minority groups.

- The company is trying to hire a more diverse workforce this year.
- The university's commitment to a diverse student body is reflected in its revised admissions policy and outreach programmes.

Teaching tip: In modern business and academic contexts, this often specifically implies the inclusion of underrepresented groups.

### 3. distinct or separate

adjective · CEFR C1 · Formal

different from each other.

For teachers: differing from one another; not the same.

- The two brothers had very diverse interests, one loving sports and the other art.
- Although they share a common ancestor, the two languages have evolved in diverse directions over the last millennium.

## Examples

- The city has a diverse population.
- Our company is looking for a diverse group of candidates with different backgrounds and skills.
- The novel features a stylistically diverse range of narrative voices, shifting from formal historical accounts to intimate, first-person diary entries without warning.

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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.