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disparate
adjective
Did you know?
If you enjoy sorting different objects into separate categories, you're well prepared to understand the origins of disparate. The word, which first appeared in English in the 16th century, comes from the Latin verb disparāre, meaning "to divide, separate off, make different." Disparāre, in turn, comes from parāre, a verb meaning "to supply, provide, make ready or prepare." Other descendants of parāre in English include both separate and prepare, as well as repair, apparatus, and even the pugnacious vituperate ("to criticize harshly and usually publicly").
Synonyms
different, diverse, divergent, disparate, various mean unlike in kind or character.
different may imply little more than separateness but it may also imply contrast or contrariness.
diverse implies both distinctness and marked contrast.
divergent implies movement away from each other and unlikelihood of ultimate meeting or reconciliation.
disparate emphasizes incongruity or incompatibility.
various stresses the number of sorts or kinds.
Examples of disparate in a Sentence
These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'disparate.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
Word History
borrowed from Latin disparātus "separate, distinct," from past participle of disparāre "to divide, separate off, make different," from dis- dis- + parāre "to supply, provide, make ready" (influenced in sense by association with dispar-, dispār "unequal, different") — more at pare
1566, in the meaning defined at sense 1
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Cite this Entry
“Disparate.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/disparate. Accessed 31 Oct. 2024.
Kids Definition
disparate
adjectiveMedical Definition
disparate
adjectiveMore from Merriam-Webster on disparate
Nglish: Translation of disparate for Spanish Speakers
Britannica English: Translation of disparate for Arabic Speakers
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