diversity

diversity — noun

1. a situation in which many distinct types of items, living creatures, or individu

1.nounB1
Definition

a situation in which many distinct types of items, living creatures, or individuals coexist within a particular group, place, or system

Example

The city's food markets offer an amazing diversity of fresh produce from around the world.

collocation: a diversity of + plural noun

Adina was impressed by the diversity of plant life in the national park.

collocation: diversity of plant life / wildlife

Common collocations
  • diversity of species
  • diversity of products
  • genetic diversity
  • cultural diversity
  • rich diversity
Synonyms
  • variety

    more everyday term; 'diversity' emphasises the co-existence of different types, while 'variety' simply notes that different types exist

  • range

    focuses on the span from one extreme to another rather than the mix itself

  • assortment

    more concrete, often used for physical items like food or products in a collection

Antonyms
  • uniformity

    the state of being all the same, with no variation

  • sameness

    lack of variety; everything being identical or very similar

Grammar Patterns

a diversity of + plural noun

diversity in + noun phrase

Usage Note

Uncountable in most contexts, but the phrase 'a diversity of' is common and takes a plural noun, as in 'a diversity of opinions'.

Common Mistakes

There are many diversities in the garden.
There is a great diversity of plants in the garden.
'diversity' is usually uncountable; use 'a diversity of' rather than a plural form.

2. a situation in which people hold many different views, opinions, or ideas about

2.nounB2
Definition

a situation in which people hold many different views, opinions, or ideas about a subject, rather than agreeing on one position

Example

The panel discussion revealed a healthy diversity of opinion on the new policy.

collocation: diversity of opinion / diversity of views

In a democracy, a diversity of political views is seen as a strength.

Common collocations
  • diversity of opinion
  • diversity of views
  • diversity of thought
  • diversity of perspectives
  • political diversity
  • ideological diversity
Synonyms
  • pluralism

    more formal and ideological; implies a system where multiple views are actively valued, not just present

  • variety

    more general; lacks the sense of differing viewpoints specifically

Antonyms
  • consensus

    general agreement among a group; the opposite of having many different opinions

  • uniformity

    all views being the same or very similar

Grammar Patterns

diversity of + opinion/view/thought

diversity in + thinking/approach

Usage Note

Commonly paired with nouns like 'opinion', 'view', 'perspective', 'thought', 'approach', and 'idea'. In this sense, 'diversity' focuses on intellectual or ideological range rather than demographic difference.

Common Mistakes

The diversity of the meeting was about how to solve the problem.
There was a diversity of opinions at the meeting about how to solve the problem.
this sense needs a specifying noun like 'opinion' or 'view' to make the meaning clear.

3. the practice or principle of intentionally including people of differing racial,

3.nounB1
Definition

the practice or principle of intentionally including people of differing racial, ethnic, and social origins, as well as varied cultures, genders, and religions, within a community or organisation

Example

Inês believes that diversity in the workplace leads to stronger and more creative teams.

collocation: diversity in the workplace

The university has a new director of diversity who oversees inclusion programs.

role: director of diversity

Common collocations
  • promote diversity
  • value diversity
  • workplace diversity
  • diversity policy
  • diversity training
  • diversity and inclusion
  • racial diversity
  • ethnic diversity
Synonyms
  • inclusivity

    overlaps closely but focuses more on the feeling of being welcomed than on demographic variety

  • multiculturalism

    narrower — specifically about ethnic and cultural diversity; less about gender, religion, or disability

  • representation

    emphasis on proportional presence of different groups rather than the mix itself

Antonyms
  • exclusion

    the practice of leaving certain groups out, the opposite of inclusion

  • homogeneity

    a state where everyone belongs to the same social or demographic group

  • discrimination

    unfair treatment based on group identity, which actively prevents diversity

Grammar Patterns

diversity + noun (as modifier)

verb + diversity

Usage Note

Often used as a modifier before nouns such as 'policy', 'initiative', 'program', 'training', 'officer', 'committee'. Frequently appears alongside 'equity' and 'inclusion' in institutional contexts (DEI). This sense is distinct from sense 1 in that it specifically refers to the active practice of including underrepresented groups rather than merely describing variety.

Common Mistakes

The company hired someone to improve diversity.
The company hired a diversity officer to improve representation among its staff.
'diversity' is an abstract quality; to act on it, pair it with concrete roles or programs.

Word family

Synonym discussion

Sense: noun/1

All four words describe a collection made up of different elements, but they differ in scope and emphasis. 'Diversity' (this sense) highlights the co-existence and breadth of different types within a system — it often carries a positive connotation of richness. 'Variety' is the most general and everyday term, simply noting that different kinds exist ('a variety of fruits'). 'Range' focuses on the span between extremes ('a range of prices from low to high'), suggesting endpoints rather than internal variety. 'Assortment' is the most concrete, typically used for physical collections of items chosen to go together ('an assortment of chocolates'). For example, you might say 'the garden has a variety of flowers' (simple observation), but 'the garden's diversity of plant species makes it ecologically valuable' (emphasises co-existence and richness).

diversity ↗variety ↗range ↗assortment ↗

Common collocations

Nouns

  • diversity of opinion
  • diversity of views
  • diversity of species
  • diversity initiative
  • diversity program
  • diversity training
  • workplace diversity

Adverbs

  • great diversity
  • rich diversity
  • amazing diversity
  • incredible diversity
  • remarkable diversity
  • genetic diversity
  • ethnic diversity

Phrases

  • a diversity of
  • lack of diversity
  • promote diversity
  • increase diversity
  • value diversity
  • celebrate diversity

Prepositions

  • diversity of
  • diversity in
  • diversity within

Etymology

LatinOld FrenchEnglish

The word 'diversity' comes from the Latin 'diversitas', meaning 'difference' or 'contrariety', derived from 'divertere' ('to turn in different directions'). It entered English through Old French in the 14th century, initially carrying the general meaning of 'variety' or 'difference'. By the 17th century it was being used to describe a range of different types of things. The modern sense referring to demographic and social inclusion became prominent in the late 20th century, particularly in civil rights and workplace contexts.