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diversity
/daɪˈvɜːrsəti/
variety within a group
The company values diversity in its workforce, including people of different ages, ethnicities, and backgrounds.
The company appreciates having a wide range of people with varied ages, ethnicities, and experiences.
formal
The state of having many different forms, types, or elements; variety.
The biodiversity of the rainforest is unmatched.
The rainforest contains an exceptional variety of plant and animal life.
The school promotes diversity in its student body.
The school encourages a student population with varied backgrounds and identities.
Often used in social, biological, and organizational contexts to emphasize inclusivity and range.
formal
A range of different people or things; a mix.
The diversity of opinions in the debate was refreshing.
The debate featured a wide range of differing viewpoints.
Can refer to demographic, cultural, or ideological variety.
Collocations
cultural diversityvariety of cultural backgroundsbiological diversityvariety of plant and animal speciesworkforce diversityvariety of employees in a company
Antonyms
Related Phrases
Pro Tip
Avoid overusing 'diversity'
Use 'diversity' when you mean meaningful variety, not just 'many.' For example, 'a diverse menu' implies a wide range of options, not just a large number.
Gold Rule
Context matters
The meaning of 'diversity' depends on context—biological diversity refers to species variety, while workforce diversity refers to demographic differences.
Word Origin
From Old French *diversité* (modern French *diversité*), from Latin *diversitas*, from *diversus* ('turned in different directions'), from *divertere* ('to turn aside'), from *dis-* ('apart') + *vertere* ('to turn').
Usage Notes
Common in discussions about inclusion, ecology, and multiculturalism. Avoid using it as a vague synonym for 'many'—it implies meaningful variety, not just quantity.
Word Breakdown
divers-
different, varied
root-ity
state or quality of
suffixEnglish Dictionary