converge

IPA/kənˈvɜːdʒ/
KK[kənvˈɚdʒ]IPA/kənˈvɜːrdʒ/

converge — verb

  • convergepresent simple I / you / we / they
  • convergeshe / she / it
  • convergedpast simple
  • converging-ing form

1. When two or more streets, railway lines, or hiking trails come closer to each ot

1.verbintransitiveB2
Definition

When two or more streets, railway lines, or hiking trails come closer to each other and eventually meet at a single point.

Example

The two railway lines converge just outside the main city station.

collocation: railway lines converge

All the hiking trails in the national park converge at the main waterfall viewpoint.

Common collocations
  • railway lines converge
  • roads converge
  • trails converge
  • rivers converge
  • lines on a graph converge
Synonyms
  • meet

    more general; does not emphasise the gradual movement toward a point

  • join

    implies the lines/roads actually connect or become one

  • merge

    suggests the separate parts blend into a single entity

Antonyms
  • diverge

    to move apart or go in different directions

  • separate

    to stop being joined or together

Grammar Patterns

converge + on/at [point]

Usage Note

Typically followed by 'at' or 'on' to name the meeting point. This sense is rarely used in the passive voice.

Common Mistakes

The two roads converge to the traffic light.
The two roads converge at the traffic light.
'converge' takes 'at' or 'on', not 'to', for the meeting point.
The company converged its three offices.
The three offices converged into one department.
'converge' is intransitive; use 'merge' or 'combine' for a transitive meaning.

2. When different ideas, opinions, or beliefs become increasingly similar or come t

2.verbintransitiveB2
Definition

When different ideas, opinions, or beliefs become increasingly similar or come to a shared position over time.

Example

The scientists' views on climate change have slowly converged over the past decade.

collocation: views converge

As the discussion continued, their opinions began to converge on a single solution.

collocation: converge on [a position]

Common collocations
  • views converge
  • opinions converge
  • policies converge
  • interests converge
  • converge on a solution
Synonyms
  • align

    more common in business/professional contexts; suggests deliberate adjustment

  • coincide

    stronger, suggesting the ideas are exactly the same, not just similar

  • meet

    informal; 'their opinions met in the middle'

Antonyms
  • diverge

    opinions or ideas move apart or become less similar

  • differ

    to be unlike or distinct

Grammar Patterns

converge + on [topic/position]

Usage Note

Subject is almost always plural (views, opinions, policies, interests). Frequently used with 'on' to indicate the topic of shared understanding.

Common Mistakes

His opinion converged with mine.
His opinion and mine converged.
'converge' requires a plural subject; it is not used as 'converge with' in standard English.
The team converged that the plan was good.
The team's views converged on the idea that the plan was good.
'converge' cannot be directly followed by a that-clause.

3. To come together in large numbers at a particular place from various different d

3.verbintransitiveB2
Definition

To come together in large numbers at a particular place from various different directions or locations.

Example

Diya and Adina converged at the airport after flying from different continents.

collocation: converge at [location]

Thousands of protesters converged on the capital to demand political reform.

collocation: converge on [place]

Common collocations
  • protesters converge
  • fans converge
  • crowds converge
  • rescue teams converge
  • converge on the capital
Synonyms
  • gather

    more common; does not emphasise coming from different directions

  • assemble

    more formal; often used for official gatherings

  • flock

    suggests movement motivated by interest or attraction

Antonyms
  • disperse

    to move apart or scatter in different directions

  • scatter

    to separate and go in many directions

Grammar Patterns

converge + on/at [place]

Usage Note

Subject is typically a crowd, group, or multiple individuals; the destination is introduced by 'on' (more common) or 'at'. Often used for large-scale events or emergencies.

Common Mistakes

I converged at the cafe with my friend.
My friend and I met at the cafe.
'converge' implies many people coming from many directions, not just two individuals arranging a meeting.