Disparate Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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disparate

[ˈdɪspərɪt ]

Definitions

^{Context #1 | Adjective}

different

Essentially different in kind; not allowing comparison.

Synonyms

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
disparate	Best used when talking about things that are fundamentally different or not allowing for comparison. The interests of the students were quite disparate; some loved math, while others were passionate about art
distinct	Appropriate when describing something unique or clearly different from others. Johnny has a distinct way of speaking that makes him easily recognizable in a crowd
divergent	Suitable when describing things that move or extend in different directions from a common point. Their paths in life became more divergent after college, with one moving to Europe and the other staying in their hometown
varying	Used when referring to differences in degree, size, amount, or nature. The results of the experiment were varying, showing slight changes with each repetition
dissimilar	Used when comparing things that are not the same or lack similarities. The two sisters are quite dissimilar in their tastes; one prefers classical music, the other enjoys rock
unequal	Best used when discussing things that are not the same in quantity, quality, or value. The two teams were of unequal strength, making the competition somewhat one-sided

Examples of usage

The disparate worlds of the academic and the businessperson.
The two cultures were so disparate that communication was difficult.
The disparate nature of the two candidates' political views.
Her eclectic taste in music led her to enjoy disparate genres.
The disparate opinions on the best way to approach the problem.

^{Context #2 | Adjective}

inconsistent

Containing elements that are fundamentally different or incongruous.

Synonyms

discordant, incongruous, jumbled, mixed, varied.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
disparate	Suitable for describing things or people that are very different and cannot be compared easily. The committee consists of disparate individuals with different backgrounds The novel intertwines disparate storylines into a cohesive narrative
discordant	Used to describe sounds, themes, or elements that clash or do not harmonize with each other. Often carries a negative connotation. The music was discordant and unpleasant to listen to The discordant opinions at the meeting led to an unresolved argument
incongruous	Best for situations where something seems out of place or not in harmony with the surroundings or context. Her bright red coat looked incongruous in the sea of black suits The modern sculpture was incongruous in the traditional room
jumbled	Used when objects, ideas, or thoughts are mixed together in a chaotic manner. His desk was jumbled with papers, notebooks, and gadgets The story was hard to follow due to its jumbled plot
mixed	Applicable when referring to a combination of different elements, often with both positive and negative aspects. The reviews for the movie were mixed, with some critics loving it and others hating it The audience had mixed reactions to his speech
varied	Useful for describing a collection of different types or varieties of items or experiences. The festival offers a varied program of events, including music, dance, and workshops Her diet is very varied, including foods from many different cuisines

Examples of usage

The painting was a disparate mix of styles and techniques.
The novel received criticism for its disparate themes.
The disparate elements of the plan did not work well together.
The collection of poems was praised for its disparate voices.
The film's soundtrack was a disparate collection of songs.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Interesting Facts

Cultural Usage

In literature, disparate characters often create tension and highlight themes of conflict.
The term is widely used in social studies to describe different societal groups and their distinct experiences.
Music genres can be described as disparate when they differ greatly in style, creating a rich tapestry of sounds.

Psychology

Research shows that groups with disparate backgrounds can cultivate creativity through contrasting ideas.
Disparate perspectives in problem-solving often lead to more innovative solutions compared to homogeneous groups.
Understanding disparate experiences can enhance empathy and improve communication among diverse individuals.

Education

In classroom settings, disparate learning styles may require varied teaching methods to accommodate all students.
Curricula that highlight disparate viewpoints can develop critical thinking by challenging students to consider multiple sides.
Educational research often focuses on disparate outcomes in achievement among different demographic groups.

Business

In the business world, disparate teams can drive innovation but may require careful management to align goals.
Companies often merge disparate cultures, which can create challenges in integration and employee morale.
Market analysis might reveal disparate consumer behaviors across different regions, informing targeted strategies.

Origin of 'disparate'

Main points about word origin

The word comes from the Latin 'disparatus', which means 'set apart'.
In English, it has been used since the 17th century to describe things that are distinct from one another.
The prefix 'dis-' indicates separation or difference, while 'paratus' means 'prepared' or 'paired'.

The word 'disparate' comes from the Latin word 'disparatus', which means 'unequal' or 'unlike'. It entered the English language in the late 16th century. Over time, 'disparate' has come to be used to describe things that are fundamentally different from each other or contain incongruous elements. The word has been widely used in various contexts to highlight differences or inconsistencies.

Word Frequency Rank

Ranked #12,279, this word falls into high-advanced vocabulary. It appears less frequently but is valuable for expressing precise meanings in specific contexts.

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12276 disrupt
12277 classifying
12278 discard
12279 disparate
12280 electronically
12281 clustered
12282 preferring
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