Is 'diverge' formal or informal?

What's the difference between 'diverge' and 'differ'?

How is 'diverge' different from 'differ'?

Is 'diverge' used in data contexts?

Can 'diverge' apply to data trends?

Is 'diverge' common in business writing?

Is 'diverge' common in academic writing?

← Dictionary

diverge

/daɪˈvɜːdʒ/

IELTSAcademic

verb

To move or develop in different directions from a common point.

Their views diverge on climate policy.
They diverge from standard procedure.

Adinary Nuance

Near-neighbors: 'diverge' suits planned or gradual separation in direction or opinion, stronger than 'differ' or 'vary' and less emotional than 'split'. Use 'diverge' for paths or trends; choose 'differ' for personal views and 'contrast' for sharp visual differences.

In other languages

Spanish: Divergir
Japanese: 分かれる
Korean: 벗어나다
Vietnamese: Phân nhánh
Chinese: 分歧

Etymology

From Latin 'divergere', combining 'dis-' (apart) and 'vergere' (to bend). The origin highlights the sense of moving away from a shared path.

Common phrases

diverge from the normdiverge in opinion

Synonyms

differ deviate separate split vary

Related words

difference path separate opinion trend

Frequently asked questions

Is 'diverge' formal or informal?: Is 'diverge' formal or informal?
What's the difference between 'diverge' and 'differ'?: How is 'diverge' different from 'differ'?
Is 'diverge' used in data contexts?: Can 'diverge' apply to data trends?
Is 'diverge' common in business writing?: Is 'diverge' common in academic writing?