divergent

Divergent is an adjective derived from Latin divergere, meaning to turn apart or differ. In general use, it describes something moving away from a common point, path, or standard. The term is applied across disciplines to indicate deviation, separation, or a trend toward different directions rather than convergence.

In mathematics and related fields, divergence describes a process or quantity that does not settle to a finite limit. Examples include divergent series, whose partial sums grow without bound, and vector calculus, where the divergence of a vector field measures the rate at which something is expanding or radiating from a point. In statistics and information theory, divergence measures contrast between probability distributions, such as Kullback–Leibler divergence, which is not symmetric.

In biology, divergent evolution refers to the process whereby related populations accumulate differences over time, leading to distinct species or forms, often in response to differing environments or selective pressures. This contrasts with convergent evolution, where unrelated lineages independently develop similar traits.

In psychology and creativity research, divergent thinking describes the ability to generate multiple, varied ideas in response to a problem, a key component of creative thinking. Tests of creativity often assess divergent thinking through open-ended tasks and ideation.

In popular culture, Divergent is the title of a 2011 novel by Veronica Roth and the first installment of its film adaptation series, set in a dystopian world where society is divided into factions. The term is sometimes used in broader discussions of utopian/dystopian fiction and media literacy in relation to themes of identity and social structure.