English Reference
verb

diversify

v.
US /daɪˈvɝsəˌfaɪ/ UK /daɪvˈɜːsɪfˌaɪ/ di·ver·si·fy UK spelling diversifies, diversifying

  1. 01 B2 Upper Intermediate

    to change something so that it has more different parts or types of things.

    to make something more diverse or varied in form, quality, or character.

    Simple

    The city is trying to diversify its economy so it does not rely only on tourism.

    In context

    The curriculum was redesigned to diversify the range of perspectives represented in the history department's core modules.

  2. 02 B2 Upper Intermediate Academic

    to put money into many different types of businesses to reduce the risk of losing it.

    to spread investment capital across different assets or expand a company's range of products to mitigate risk.

    Simple

    It is usually safer to diversify your investments rather than putting all your money in one company.

    In context

    The corporation decided to diversify into renewable energy markets to offset the declining profits from its traditional fossil fuel divisions.

    Usage

    Often used with the preposition 'into'.

Diversifying our trading relationships is the right move.

Toronto Sun· 8 Sept 2026

Data shows that Canada is also diversifying its trade.

BBC News· 8 Sept 2026

Borrowed from Middle French diversifier, equivalent to diverse + -ify.

Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.

This entry
Level B2 · Upper Intermediate
Frequency Occasional
Updated