divergence
UK: daɪˈvɜːdʒəns | US: daɪˈvɜːrdʒəns
n. the process or state of diverging; a difference or deviation
n. (mathematics) the property of a sequence or function where values move apart
n. (biology) the evolutionary splitting of a lineage into distinct forms
The word "divergence" originates from Latin divergere, combining dis- (apart) and vergere (to bend or turn). The root vergere also appears in "converge" (turn together) and "diverge" (turn apart). The suffix -ence forms abstract nouns indicating a state or action. Historically, the term evolved from physical separation (e.g., paths diverging) to abstract concepts like mathematical deviation and biological speciation.
The divergence in their opinions led to a heated debate.
In calculus, divergence measures how a vector field spreads out from a point.
Genetic divergence between the two species became evident over millennia.
The road signs marked the divergence of the highway into two routes.
Cultural divergence often occurs when communities develop in isolation.