divergent

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adjective di·ver·gent \ -jənt \

Definition of divergent

1 a :moving or extending in different directions from a common point :diverging from each other

divergent paths

b :differing from each other or from a standard

the divergent interests of capital and labor

2 mathematics :relating to or being an infinite (see ¹infinite 4c) sequence that does not have a limit or an infinite series whose partial sums do not have a limit

3 physics :causing rays (see ²ray 1b) to draw apart from a common center :causing divergence of rays

a divergent lens

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divergently

adverb

See divergent defined for kids

Recent Examples of divergent from the Web

Like a contestant on one of his reality TV shows, Trump has taken on contrasting personas, showcasing divergent traits with flourishes seemingly to survive another day of his beleaguered presidency.

— david a. graham, The Atlantic, "How to Tell Which Donald Trump Will Deliver a Speech," 24 Aug. 2017
So here’s a question: how many Divergent fans will remain allegiant as the fourth installment of the sci-fi dystopia moves to TV?

— rebecca keegan, HWD, "The Actors Grabbing Awards Voters’ Attention," 3 Aug. 2017
The upshot was a strengthened, more confident and less divergent euro zone, and a political model for curbing nationalism.

— The Economist, "If France’s reforms succeededWhat a Macron miracle could do for France and Europe," 13 July 2017
The fascination of the piece, which has been exhibited in New York and Moscow, stems from how divergent Huppert’s expressions can appear when viewed from slightly different angles.

— michael upchurch, The Seattle Times, "Strange critters: In July, Seattle art galleries contain menageries," 11 July 2017
USA TODAY In Louisville, households often strive for harmony between divergent ideas.

— darcy costello, The Courier-Journal, "A house divided: Kentucky homes most often split — and we're not talking about sports," 8 July 2017
Hudson, who will receive the innovation honor, has also been credited with helping to change the face of Huntsville in areas as divergent as downtown redevelopment, biotechnology and the arts.

— william thornton, AL.com, "Thomas Friedman headlines EDPA's 'imerge' event Aug. 23 at Alabama Theatre," 5 July 2017
Before then, trains traveling from one city to another would arrive at wildly divergent times based on local timekeeping variations.

— pam kragen, sandiegouniontribune.com, "One last dispatch from the Fringe: 8 shows close annual festival," 4 July 2017
The club is 9-5-5 overall in 2017 and has managed major upsets with two divergent starting lineups, which speaks to the quality and depth head coach Alan Koch has plucked from a roster that now numbers 24, as well as Koch's tactical prowess.

— patrick brennan, Cincinnati.com, "Match day 16: Still riding high, FC Cincy travels to Orlando City B," 30 June 2017

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'divergent.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

Origin and Etymology of divergent

Latin divergent-, divergens, present participle of divergere

NEW! Time Traveler

First Known Use: 1696

See Words from the same year

Synonym Discussion of divergent

different, diverse, divergent, disparate, various mean unlike in kind or character. different may imply little more than separateness but it may also imply contrast or contrariness.