diverge — To move or extend in different directions from a common point; to differ or deviate from an expected path or standard.
Part of speech: VERB
Definition: To move or extend in different directions from a common point; to differ or deviate from an expected path or standard.
Pronunciation (IPA): /daɪˈvɜːrdʒ/
Example Sentences
- My GPS and my wife's directions always diverge - guess who I follow?
- The river diverges into three streams in the valley.
- Our career paths diverged after college, but we remained close friends.
diverge
VERB[/daɪˈvɜːrdʒ/]
To move or extend in different directions from a common point; to differ or deviate from an expected path or standard.

The hikers stopped where the dirt trail diverged into a dark forest and a sunny meadow.

DI(apart) + VERGE(turn) — pulling the lever makes the straight train tracks diverge into two paths.

The two marching bands perfectly merge in the square, then quickly diverge down different streets.
Got the picture? Now let's practice.
🎤Pronunciation
🌳Etymology
Origin
From Latin divergere, meaning 'to turn in different directions' or 'to branch apart'. The word literally described how rivers or paths split into separate routes.
Breakdown
di- (apart/in different directions) + vergere (to turn/incline) + -e (verb ending)
🎵Rhyme
📝Examples
“My GPS and my wife's directions always diverge - guess who I follow?”
“The river diverges into three streams in the valley.”
“Our career paths diverged after college, but we remained close friends.”
“The twins' personalities began to diverge as they grew older.”
📚Related Words
Synonyms
Antonyms
Want to master 19,000+ words?
Sign up free for flashcards & quizzes.