First Known Use: 1665
Dictionary
diverge
verb di·verge \də-ˈvərj, dī-\
: to split and move out in different directions from a single point
: to be or become different
di·vergeddi·verg·ing
Full Definition of DIVERGE
intransitive verb
1
a : to move or extend in different directions from a common point : draw apart <diverging roads> b : to become or be different in character or form : differ in opinion
2
: to turn aside from a path or course : deviate
3
: to be mathematically divergent
transitive verb
: deflect
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Origin of DIVERGE
Medieval Latin divergere, from Latin dis- + vergere to incline — more at wrench
Related to DIVERGE
Synonym Discussion of DIVERGE
swerve, veer, deviate, depart, digress, diverge mean to turn aside from a straight course. swerve may suggest a physical, mental, or moral turning away from a given course, often with abruptness <swerved to avoid hitting the dog>. veer implies a major change in direction <at that point the path veers to the right>. deviate implies a turning from a customary or prescribed course <never deviated from her daily routine>. depart suggests a deviation from a traditional or conventional course or type <occasionally departs from his own guidelines>. digress applies to a departing from the subject of one's discourse <a professor prone to digress>. diverge may equal depart but usually suggests a branching of a main path into two or more leading in different directions <after school their paths diverged>.
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