convergence

Everyday

1. Convergence is when lines, roads, paths or things come together and meet at one point. tree →
2. Convergence is when ideas, opinions or groups become more and more alike. tree →
3. (maths) Convergence is when a list of numbers gets closer and closer to one fixed number. tree →
4. (science) In geography, a convergence is where two plates of the Earth's crust or two ocean currents push towards each other. tree →

In the lessons

In maths and geometry it means lines meeting or a sequence approaching a limit (1/2, 3/4, 7/8 … gets close to 1). In geography, plate convergence makes mountains and volcanoes. In everyday talk it means people or things coming together. Opposite: divergence. Phrases: «point of convergence», «convergence of ideas».

Examples

• The convergence of the two rivers makes one big river. tree →
• Follow the paths to their point of convergence. tree →
• Mountains like the Himalayas formed at a convergence of two plates. tree →
• There was a convergence of opinions after the long debate. tree →
• The sum 1/2 + 1/4 + 1/8 + … shows convergence towards 1. tree →
• In the drawing, railway tracks show convergence in the distance. tree →
• The convergence of phones and cameras means one device now does both. tree →

Note

Mostly uncountable: convergence, though «a convergence» is used for one meeting point. Verb: converge (the roads converge); adjective: convergent. Opposite: divergence, diverge. In maths, a sequence that converges gets as close as you like to its limit but may never actually reach it.