WordValedisparate
essentially different in kind; not comparable
fundamentally different
In more detail
1. (adjective) completely different in kind; having no connection or similarity
2. (adjective) consisting of things that are very different from each other
Examples
- 1. The two candidates have disparate views on education policy.
- 2. The disparate group of musicians created a unique sound by blending jazz, classical, and rock.
How to use disparate
Disparate emphasizes fundamental lack of connection or fundamental difference in kind, rather than mere degree of difference. It is commonly used in formal contexts to describe collections of unrelated things or to highlight incompatibility. It often implies that the items being compared should not naturally be grouped together or are difficult to reconcile.
Common phrases
- disparate elements
- disparate groups
- disparate views
- disparate impact
- disparate sources
- disparate nature
Synonyms
dissimilar · different · distinct · unrelated · incompatible
Opposites
similar · alike · homogeneous
Word family
disparately (adverb) · disparity (noun)
A common mistake
Learners sometimes use disparate when they simply mean different or unequal in amount; disparate specifically stresses difference in kind and lack of connection, not just quantitative variation.
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