Diverge
/daɪˈvɜrdʒ/
verbB2
Definition
Diverge means when two or more things start from the same place but then move apart or become different. It can describe physical paths that split or ideas and opinions that are not the same anymore. It often shows separation or difference after a shared beginning.
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See It in Action
To separate and go in different directions physically
- •The two roads diverge after the bridge.
- •The paths diverged in the forest, so we had to choose which way to go.
- •The river diverges into several smaller streams.
To become different in opinion, idea, or development
- •Their views on politics began to diverge after the meeting.
- •The scientists’ opinions diverged about the experiment’s results.
- •As they grew older, their interests diverged more and more.
Make It Stick
- ✓Think of "diverge" like "go apart" (A1 phrase), but more formal and used for both physical and abstract differences
- ✓Picture a road that splits into two paths going left and right, starting from the same place
- ✓It's the feeling when friends start to think differently after a long time together
- ✓Sounds like "die-VURJ" → imagine two rivers splitting and flowing away from each other
- ✓Think of two branches growing from the same tree trunk but going in different directions
- ✓NOT like "meet" (come together), "diverge" means to move away or separate
- ✓NOT like "change" (general difference), "diverge" focuses on moving apart from a shared point
- ✓NOT like "split" (often physical breaking), "diverge" can be physical or ideas moving apart gradually
Try Other Words
- •Branch off: to split from a main path or idea (Use when talking about physical paths or ideas that come out from a main source)
- •Split: to divide into parts (Use when something breaks or divides clearly, often physical or clear division)
- •Deviate: to move away from a standard or expected path (Use when something moves away from a rule or plan)
Unboxing
- •Word parts: "di-" (prefix meaning "apart" or "two") + "verge" (root meaning "to bend or turn")
- •Etymology: From Latin "divergere," meaning to turn aside or go in different directions
- •Historical development: Used since the 1600s to describe physical and abstract separation or difference
- •Modern usage: Common in science, math, and everyday language to describe paths, opinions, or ideas moving apart
Reflect & Connect
•Can you think of a time when your ideas diverged from your friends’? How did that affect your relationship?
•How can understanding divergence help in solving problems where people have different opinions?
Fill in the blanks
1.The two rivers diverge ___ the mountain, flowing in opposite directions.
2.Their opinions began to diverge after the discussion, showing ___ in their thinking.
3.Unlike "meet," to diverge means to ___ from a common point.
4.When paths diverge, travelers must ___ which way to continue.
5.The company’s strategies diverge ___ different markets, each focusing on unique customers.
6.Scientists often diverge in their views because of ___ interpretations of data.
7.The branches diverge ___ the trunk, growing toward the sunlight.