Divergence Meaning and Definition

Pronunciation

/daɪˈvɜːrʒns/ 🔊

Part of Speech

Noun

Definition

The act or process of moving away from a common point or getting further apart over time; a difference or distance between two or more things.

Examples

• The researchers observed divergence in the population’s reaction to the policy change.
• The stock prices experienced divergence as investors reacted differently to the news.

Synonyms

• Separation
• Deviation

Antonyms

• Convergence
• Unity

Additional Information

Divergence can occur in various fields, including science, finance, and social sciences. It can refer to the movement away from a common point or the increase in distance between two or more things over time.

In science, divergence can refer to the process of speciation, where two or more species evolve from a common ancestor. In finance, divergence can refer to the difference in performance between two or more investments.

Divergence can also refer to the act of moving away from a common goal or objective. In social sciences, divergence can refer to the difference in opinions or behaviors between two or more groups.

Etymology

The word “divergence” comes from the Latin words “divergere,” meaning “to turn away,” and the suffix “-ence,” which forms a noun indicating a state or process.

Usage Notes

Divergence can be used in various contexts to describe the act or process of moving away from a common point or getting further apart over time.

When using the word “divergence,” it is essential to consider the context and the intended meaning to avoid confusion.

Cultural References

The concept of divergence has been explored in various works of science fiction, such as the “Divergent” series by Veronica Roth.

Idiomatic Expressions or Phrases

None

Related Words or Phrases

• Convergence
• Deviation
• Separation

Collocations

• statistical divergence
• divergence of opinion

Frequency of Use

The word “divergence” is commonly used in scientific and academic contexts, but it is less common in everyday conversation.

Common Misspellings

• divergance
• divergense