disparate

/ˈdɪspərət/ (bre, ipa) · /ˈdɪspərət/ (ame, ipa) · /ˈdi-sp(ə-)rət di-ˈsper-ət, -ˈspa-rət/ (ame, mw)

disparate — 形容詞

  • disparatepositive
  • more disparatecomparative
  • most disparatesuperlative

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

1.形容詞C1
釋義

迥異的

各方面差異極大，無法比較或整合

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

例句

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

這兩位作家來自如此迥異的背景，以至於他們的小說幾乎沒有任何共同主題。

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

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

Reuben 的報告試圖將截然不同的數據資料整合成一個明確的結論。

disparate + [plural noun] — attributive use

同義詞
  • 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'

反義詞
  • 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'

文法句型

disparate + plural noun

disparate + from + [noun phrase]

用法筆記

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.

常見錯誤

❌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'.