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diversify

/daɪˈvɜː.sɪ.faɪ/
IELTSAcademic
verb

To make something include more different types, people, products, or activities. It is often used in business, investing, farming, and education.

  • The company wants to diversify its products.
  • She diversified her income after losing her job.
  • Farmers diversify crops to reduce risk.

Adinary Nuance

Diversify is stronger and more specific than simply “change.” It means adding variety or spreading risk by including different things. Compared with “expand,” diversify focuses on variety, not just size. Compared with “vary,” it often suggests a planned business, financial, or practical choice.

In other languages

Vietnamese
đa dạng hóa
Spanish
diversificar
Chinese
使多样化
Japanese
多角化する
Korean
다각화하다

Etymology

Diversify comes from French diversifier, from Latin diversus, meaning “different.” It entered English in the 17th century.

Common phrases

diversify investmentsdiversify incomediversify a businessdiversify crops

Synonyms

Related words

Frequently asked questions

Is diversify formal or informal?
It is fairly formal and common in business, academic, and financial writing.
What is the difference between diversify and expand?
Expand means to grow bigger. Diversify means to add more different kinds of things.
Can I use diversify with money?
Yes. People often say diversify your investments to reduce risk.
What does diversify mean in farming?
It means growing different crops instead of only one crop.