Definition

1. Noun:
   • A difference between conflicting facts, claims, or opinions; a state of being different: The condition of having opinions, paths, or results that move apart or become different.
   • An infinite series that has no limit: In mathematics, the property of a sequence or series that does not approach a finite limit.
   • A variation that deviates from the standard or norm; a deviation from the mean: A measurable amount by which something differs from a typical or expected value.
   • The act of moving away in different directions from a common point: The process of separating and going in different paths from a shared starting place.

Examples of Usage

• Noun:
  • There is a growing divergence of opinion on the new policy. (People's opinions about the new policy are becoming increasingly different.)
  • The divergence of the two roads made it difficult to choose which one to take. (The two roads separated, going in different directions.)
  • In calculus, we study the convergence or divergence of infinite series. (We examine whether an infinite series sums to a finite number or not.)
  • The data showed a significant divergence from the predicted model. (The data was notably different from what the model forecasted.)

Advanced Usage

• "Point of divergence": The specific moment or place where two paths, ideas, or histories begin to differ.
  • In the alternate history novel, the point of divergence was the outcome of a single battle.
• "Genetic divergence": In biology, the process by which two or more populations of an ancestral species accumulate differences over time.
  • The genetic divergence between the two species of finches is now quite significant.

Variants and Related Words

• Diverge (verb): To separate and go in different directions from a common point; to differ in opinion or character.
  • Our career paths diverged after university.
• Divergent (adjective): Tending to be different or develop in different directions.
  • They held divergent views on the issue.
• Divergency (noun): A less common synonym for divergence.

Synonyms

• Difference: The state or condition of being dissimilar or unlike.
• Discrepancy: A lack of compatibility or similarity between two or more facts.
• Deviation: The action of departing from an established course or accepted standard.
• Separation: The process of moving or being moved apart.

Antonyms

• Convergence: The process or state of coming together from different directions to meet at a point.
• Agreement: Harmony or accordance in opinion or feeling.
• Similarity: The state of being like or resembling something else.

Related Phrases

• "Cultural divergence": The tendency for cultures to become increasingly dissimilar over time.
  • Globalization has not prevented some instances of cultural divergence.
• "Divergence of interests": A situation where the goals or concerns of different parties become incompatible.
  • The partnership ended due to a divergence of interests.

Noun

1. a difference between conflicting facts or claims or opinions
   • a growing divergence of opinion
2. an infinite series that has no limit
3. a variation that deviates from the standard or norm
   • the deviation from the mean
4. the act of moving away in different direction from a common point
   • an angle is formed by the divergence of two straight lines