convergence
🇬🇧 /kəˈnvɜːdʒəns/
🇺🇸 /kəˈnvɜrdʒəns/
📖 Definitions
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noun
The act or process of moving toward a common point or coming together from different directions.; The merging of distinct technologies, industries, or disciplines into a unified whole.; In mathematics, the property of a sequence, series, or function approaching a definite limit as a variable approaches a certain value.; In meteorology, the coming together of air masses, often associated with rising air and precipitation.; In biology, the independent evolution of similar features in species of different lineages.; In optics, the bending of light rays toward a common focal point.
🔗 Details
Word forms
countable / uncountable
Plural: convergences
Collocations
convergence ofpoint of convergenceconvergence zoneconvergence rateconvergence theorycultural convergence
Derivatives
convergeconvergentconvergentlyconvergency
Synonyms
confluencemergingjunctionunioncoming togethermeeting
Antonyms
divergenceseparationsplitting
Commonly confused
confluence
EN: 'Confluence' emphasizes the flowing together of things (originally rivers), while 'convergence' emphasizes movement toward a common point or the process of becoming similar.
divergence
EN: 'Divergence' is the opposite—moving apart or becoming different rather than coming together.
Spelling tips
EN: Remember the 'g' is retained before '-ence': it is 'convergence', not 'converance' or 'convergance'.
💬 Examples
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The convergence of the two rivers created a fertile delta.
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The convergence of computing and telecommunications has transformed modern life.
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The convergence of the series was proven using the ratio test.
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The convergence of warm and cold air masses triggered severe thunderstorms.
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The wings of bats and birds are a classic example of evolutionary convergence.
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The convergence of light through a convex lens produces a real image.