A divergence is a difference between two or more things, attitudes, or opinions.
[formal]
There's a substantial divergence of opinion within the party.
This overall figure conceals wide divergences between the main industrial countries.
The tenor of the opening remarks reflects the divergence in the priorities of thetwo sides.
Synonyms: difference, varying, departure, disparity More Synonyms of divergence
divergence in British English
(daɪˈvɜːdʒəns)
noun
1.
the act or result of diverging or the amount by which something diverges
2.
the condition of being divergent
3. meteorology
the outflowing of airstreams from a particular area, caused by expanding air
4. mathematics
a.
the scalar product of the operator, ∇, and a vector function, A, where ∇= i∂/∂x + j∂/∂y+ k∂/∂z, and i, j, and k are unit vectors. Usually written: div A, ∇A, or ∇A.
curl (sense 11), gradient (sense 4)
b.
the property of being divergent
5.
the spreading of a stream of electrons as a result of their mutual electrostatic repulsion
6.
the turning of the eyes outwards in order to fixate an object farther away than that previously being fixated
Compare convergence (sense 7)
7. Also called: divergent evolution
the evolutionary development of structures or organisms that differ from each other in form and function but have evolved from the same basic structure or organism
Compare convergence (sense 5)
Also called (for senses 1, 2): divergency, divergement
divergence in American English
(dəˈvɜrdʒəns; daɪˈvɜrdʒəns)
Word forms: pluraldiˈvergencies
noun
1.
a diverging, separating, or branching off
2.
a becoming different in form or kind
3.
departure from a particular viewpoint, practice, etc.
4.
difference of opinion; disagreement
Also diˈvergencyWord forms: pluraldiˈvergencies
Word origin
ML divergentia
Examples of 'divergence' in a sentence
divergence
That shows how great the divergence is between the two countries.
Times, Sunday Times (2014)
There is a real divergence of opinion.
Times, Sunday Times (2014)
The report also warned of a growing divergence between mostly older households who own their properties and younger households who pay rent.
Times, Sunday Times (2015)
Despite the regional divergence, the figures showed a stabilising picture.
Times, Sunday Times (2015)
The divergence of opinion appears to come down to the degree of emphasis that each member puts on the international and domestic situations.
Times, Sunday Times (2014)
But make sure you understand where it invests, because there can be a wide divergence in performance.
Times, Sunday Times (2006)
A graphic shows the divergence of teams from their predicted points last season.
Times, Sunday Times (2014)
Unusually for a textbook, they have openly acknowledged this divergence of opinion and have tried to present both sides of the argument.
Times, Sunday Times (2010)
On price, there was a divergence of opinion in the City.
Times, Sunday Times (2011)
What was shocking was the fact that England gave their attack no hope of finding any sort of rhythm because of the wide divergence between the two.
Times, Sunday Times (2011)
In other languages
divergence
British English: divergence NOUN
A divergence is a difference between two or more things, attitudes, or opinions.
There's a substantial divergence of opinion within the party.
American English: divergence
Brazilian Portuguese: divergência
Chinese: 分歧
European Spanish: divergencia
French: divergence
German: Abweichung
Italian: divergenza
Japanese: 相違
Korean: 차이
European Portuguese: divergência
Latin American Spanish: divergencia
(noun)
There's substantial divergence of opinion in the party.
Synonyms
difference
the vast difference in size
varying
departure
This album is a considerable departure from her previous work.
disparity
economic disparities between countries
deviation
a clear example of deviation from the norm
separation
Additional synonyms
in the sense of departure
Definition
a divergence from previous custom, rule, etc.
This album is a considerable departure from her previous work.