disparate

IPA/ˈdɪspərət/
KK[dˈɪspɚɪt]IPA/ˈdɪspərət/

disparate — adjective

  • disparatepositive
  • more disparatecomparative
  • most disparatesuperlative

1. Describing two or more things that differ so greatly in quality, character, or o

1.adjectiveC1
Definition

Describing two or more things that differ so greatly in quality, character, or origin that combining or comparing them is difficult, unnatural, or unreasonable.

Example

The two authors come from such disparate backgrounds that their novels share almost no common themes.

such disparate + [plural noun] + that-clause — cause-effect pattern

Reuben's report tried to combine disparate pieces of data into a single clear conclusion.

disparate + [plural noun] — attributive use

Common collocations
  • disparate groups
  • disparate elements
  • disparate parts
  • disparate backgrounds
  • disparate sources
  • disparate styles
  • disparate data
  • disparate views
  • too disparate to
  • such disparate ... that
Synonyms
  • different

    General-purpose word; far less formal and much weaker — use for any degree of difference

  • distinct

    Focuses on the separation between things rather than the impossibility of comparison; slightly more formal than 'different'

  • contrasting

    Emphasises deliberate comparison of opposing qualities, often in visual or stylistic contexts

  • divergent

    Suggests a process of moving apart in direction or opinion; more dynamic and less static than 'disparate'

Antonyms
  • similar

    The most basic and direct opposite; possible to compare or combine

  • comparable

    Things that can reasonably be measured or evaluated against each other

  • homogeneous

    Describes a group whose parts are all the same or very alike; formal register, like 'disparate'

Grammar Patterns

disparate + plural noun

disparate + from + [noun phrase]

Usage Note

More emphatic and formal than 'different'. 'Disparate' implies that the differences are deep-rooted enough to make combination, comparison, or cooperation feel illogical. Common in academic writing, political analysis, and formal reports — rare in everyday conversation.

Common Mistakes

The two shirts are disparate colors.
The two shirts are different colors.
'Disparate' is too strong for simple surface differences like colour; use 'different' for everyday contrasts.
I have a disparate opinion from the group.
I have a different opinion from the group.
'Disparate' compares two or more things; it sounds unnatural applied to a single person's opinion versus a norm. Use 'different' or 'divergent'.

Word family

  • disparately
    adverbC1
  • disparateness
    nounC1
  • disparity
    nounB2

Synonym discussion

Sense: adjective/1

All four words point to the idea of 'not the same', but they differ in strength and context. 'Different' (A1) is the all-purpose word — safe for any situation where two things are not identical. 'Distinct' (B2) adds the nuance that the things are clearly separate and recognisable as individual items; it does not suggest that comparing them is hard. 'Contrasting' (B2) is used when someone deliberately sets two things side by side to highlight their opposing qualities, especially in visual, stylistic, or rhetorical contexts (e.g. 'contrasting colours'). 'Divergent' (C1) implies a process of moving apart — opinions, paths, or methods start from a common point and then go in different directions. 'Disparate' (C1) is the strongest: it says the differences are so deep that putting the things together in the same category feels unnatural. For quick practice: 'My sister and I have different tastes in music' (general); 'The two proposals are so disparate that merging them would be impossible' (extreme).

different ↗distinct ↗divergent ↗contrasting ↗

Common collocations

Nouns

Adverbs

Phrases

  • bring together disparate
  • combine disparate
  • reconcile disparate
  • such disparate ... that
  • too disparate to

Prepositions

Etymology

LatinEnglish

Comes from Latin 'disparatus', the past participle of 'disparare' meaning 'to separate' or 'to set apart'. The Latin word is built from the prefix 'dis-' (meaning 'apart') and 'parare' (meaning 'to make ready' or 'to prepare'). So the original image was of things that have been deliberately taken apart or positioned far from each other. English borrowed it in the 1500s, and it has kept that sense of fundamental separation ever since.