Divergent Definition: How to Pronounce the Word "Divergent" and What It Means

Divergent is the name of a book by author Veronica Roth that is set to be the next Hunger Games. What does Divergent mean? How do you say the word? You are about to find out.

In this article we will first teach you the pronunciation of the word Divergent. We'll also give the definition and where its meaning comes from. Finally we'll take a look at why the book was titled Divergent. We'll study the meaning of the word and how it relates to the series.

Please be sure to have fun interacting with this page. There's a pronunciation poll, place for comments and also a place for you to go and rate Veronica Roth's book if you've read it.

Divergent Pronunciation: How to Pronounce the Word

There are actually two ways to pronounce the word Divergent. The first part part of the word is where the difference lies. You can either say it like the word Die or you can say it the way you would pronounce the word Dig but without the G sound (like saying Dih instead). Both are actually correct.

The second part of the word is Verge like when one says I am on the verge of a breakthrough. Finally the end of the word is Ent and sounds like the word Went without the W or the beginning of the word entertainment.

Put it all together and you have either Die-Verge-Ent or Dih-Verge-Ent. Now you know the Divergent pronunciation.

Divergent in Spanish

In Spanish, the word is Divergente and is pronounced Dee-Ver-Hent-A (like the letter A). Did you know you can buy Veronica Roth's Divergente en espanol (in Spanish?)? This can be a fun way to practice a new language.

Divergent Definition

Before we look at the Divergent definition, let's take a look at the meaning of the word it comes from, diverge. According to Merriam-Webster, Diverge is a verb that means to extend in different directions from a common point or to become different or differ in opinion.

Divergent is an adjective used to describe something (or someone in this book's case) that differs from the standard or other things. It can also describe something that can cause others to vary in their set paths. For example, divergent paths means that the paths are headed in different directions.

In a nutshell, Divergent means that something is headed in more than one direction and not on a straight path that can also cause other objects or people to stray from their paths. A synonym for this word is "different."

You now know the Divergent definition.

Why Was Veronica Roth's Book Named Divergent?

The book Divergent by Veronica Roth is about a girl named Beatrice (Tris) who comes to a point in her life where she has to choose whether to stay safe with her family or to be true to herself. In other words, she has come to a place in her life where the paths are divergent (going in completely different directions) and she must choose the right one for her.

If you've also read the book, please visit my review and rate Divergent.

Spoiler Alert: How Did Someone Become Divergent in the Book?

This section may give away parts of the book, so please read with caution. In Veronica Roth's book, when someone was Divergent it meant that they took the aptitude test and were well suited for more than one faction. Most individuals in this future society had a dominant personality characteristic and were best suited for only one faction.

The reason why people were called by this term is because they differed from the standard and were able to use their brains and emotions in differing ways depending on the situation to decide for themselves rather than being stuck on one path. People did not become Divergent, they were born that way.

What Does Divergent Mean to You?

After reading the Divergent book by Veronica Roth, does the word have any special meaning or definition to you? What did you take away from the book and the message that the word Divergent can say to the reader?