divergence

Everyday

1. Divergence is when two or more things go further apart, like paths that split and go different ways. tree →
2. A divergence of opinion is when people disagree or think differently. tree →
3. (maths, science) Divergence is a growing difference between numbers, lines or results. tree →

In the lessons

A formal word: used in science, maths and debates. In stories, the divergence of two roads or two friends' lives is a turning point. Phrases: divergence of opinion, point of divergence, divergence between.

Examples

• At the divergence of the two paths we chose the left one. tree →
• There was a divergence of opinion about where to go on holiday. tree →
• The two lines on the graph show a growing divergence. tree →
• The divergence between the twins' handwriting grew each year. tree →
• Scientists study the divergence of species from a common ancestor. tree →
• The map shows the river's divergence into two streams. tree →

Note

Opposite: convergence (coming together). Formal; simpler words are difference, split, disagreement. In a maths problem, divergence means the gap between values gets bigger — find it by subtracting.