Diverse | Definition of diverse by Merriam-Webster

Full Definition of DIVERSE

1

: differing from one another : unlike <people with diverse interests>

2

: composed of distinct or unlike elements or qualities <a diverse population>

— di·verse·ly adverb

— di·verse·ness noun

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Examples of DIVERSE

We can adapt to new problems in ways that other species cannot. It is this ability that enabled our ancestors to spread over the globe, displacing other hominids and many other species along the way. Our cultures and individual behaviors are so successfully diverse that humans are more like an entire ecosystem than a single species. —Barbara Oakley, Evil Genes, (2007) 2008
Since the methods and policies of the Spaniards on the edges of empire varied over time and place, and the indigenous tribes and peoples with whom they came into contact were almost endlessly diverse, Weber was faced with the daunting challenge of writing a book that was at the same time comprehensive and comprehensible. —J. H. Elliott, New York Review of Books, 23 Feb. 2006
The place is packed at both lunch and dinner. The crowd, always a diverse blend of athletes and fans, cops and criminals, showbiz and fashion, appears as heterogeneous as ever. —Eric Asimov, New York Times, 26 Mar. 2003
Many students, from campuses diverse as Bushwick High School in Brooklyn, New York, and Whitman College in Walla Walla, Washington, had classmates sign cards pledging to vote for “books, not bombs.” —Liza Featherstone, Nation, 4/11 Aug. 2003
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Origin of DIVERSE

Middle English divers, diverse, from Anglo-French & Latin; Anglo-French divers, from Latin diversus, from past participle of divertere (see divert)

First Known Use: 14th century

Related to DIVERSE

Synonyms: disparate, dissimilar, distant, distinct, distinctive, distinguishable, different, nonidentical, other, unalike, unlike

Antonyms: alike, identical, indistinguishable, kin, kindred, like, parallel, same, similar

Synonym Discussion of DIVERSE

different, diverse, divergent, disparate, various mean unlike in kind or character. different may imply little more than separateness but it may also imply contrast or contrariness <different foods>. diverse implies both distinctness and marked contrast <such diverse interests as dancing and football>. divergent implies movement away from each other and unlikelihood of ultimate meeting or reconciliation <went on to pursue divergent careers>. disparate emphasizes incongruity or incompatibility <disparate notions of freedom>. various stresses the number of sorts or kinds <tried various methods>.

Numerous commentators have condemned different than in spite of its use since the 17th century by many of the best-known names in English literature. It is nevertheless standard and is even recommended in many handbooks when followed by a clause, because insisting on from in such instances often produces clumsy or wordy formulations. Different from, the generally safe choice, is more common especially when it is followed by a noun or pronoun.