diverse

What does “diverse” mean?

adjective.showing a great deal of variety; very different.

SAT Usage

this term often appears in passages related to culture, ecology, or social issues, emphasizing the importance of variety and inclusion. It suggests not just difference, but a richness that enhances a group or environment, contrasting with words like "heterogeneous," which may imply a lack of cohesion among varied elements.

Common Confusions

Diverse implies a rich variety that enhances a group, while varied usually suggests a simple assortment of differences without the same depth or cohesion.

Example Sentences

• The school welcomed students from diverse cultural backgrounds.

• The city has a diverse population.

Word Parts: How to Remember “diverse”

Break “diverse” into its parts: di- (apart, away). Knowing roots like these helps you decode unfamiliar SAT vocabulary.

• Prefix: di- apart, away (Latin)