Diverging: meaning, definitions and examples

Used when two or more things split off from a common point, often in a physical or metaphorical sense.

• The roads are diverging at the old oak tree.
• Their interests started diverging after high school.

Most commonly used to compare two or more things that are not the same.

• Her approach is different from mine.
• They have different opinions about the project.

Indicates fluctuations or changes in degree, size, amount, or condition.

• The weather has been varying throughout the week.
• There are varying levels of difficulty in the game.

Implies moving away from a standard or norm, often carrying a slightly negative connotation.

• His behavior was deviating from the acceptable standards.
• The experiment's results were deviating from the expected outcomes.

Highlights things that are fundamentally distinct or entirely unlike each other, often used in formal contexts.

• The conference brought together people with disparate views.
• The two species are so disparate that they cannot interbreed.

Used when two or more things move or extend in different directions from a common point.

• The paths are diverging, leading to different parts of the forest.
• Their opinions on the matter are slowly diverging as more information comes to light.

Often implies a movement away from an established course or norm, sometimes with a negative connotation.

• Make sure not to deviate from the instructions provided by your supervisor.
• She tends to deviate from standard practices, which can sometimes cause issues.

Typically used to describe directions or paths that move away from a main route.

• We need to branch off from the highway to get to the small village.
• The project plan will branch off into several smaller tasks.

Implies dividing something into parts, sometimes suggesting conflict or a forced break.

• The company will split into two independent entities by next year.
• They decided to split the profits equally among the team members.

Indicates moving or being apart from something else, often used in a physical or emotional sense.

• They decided to separate after many years of marriage.
• Separate the recyclables from the regular trash.