The basic diversity meaning is variety: the state of including many different kinds of things, people or ideas. A market with fruit from ten regions has diversity, and so does a classroom where students speak several home languages.
In recent decades the word has also become a key term at work, in schools and in public policy, where it usually refers to people of different backgrounds. That use is widely discussed and sometimes disputed. To define diversity fairly, this page gives the diversity meaning in English in neutral words, explains each sense, and sets out the main views people hold.
Entry at a glance
Meaning
Variety; a range of different kindsPart of speech
Noun (often uncountable; plural diversities is rare)Pronunciation
dye-VUR-sih-tee or dih-VUR-sih-teeWord forms
diverse (adjective), diversify (verb), diversificationOrigin
Latin diversitas, from diversus, turned different waysOpposite
Uniformity, sameness, homogeneityRegister
Neutral; formal in policy and science
Diversity meaning in its main senses
- General variety. A range of different things. The menu offers real diversity, from street snacks to slow-cooked curries.
- Diversity among people. A group that includes people of different ethnic backgrounds, genders, ages, religions, abilities, languages or regions. The hospital wants its staff to reflect the diversity of the city it serves.
- Diversity in nature. The range of plant and animal life found somewhere, usually called biodiversity.
- Diversity of thought or opinion. Different viewpoints within a group. The panel lacked diversity of opinion; everyone agreed on everything.
How the word is used at work and in schools
Employers, universities and public bodies often talk about diversity as part of hiring, admissions and training. In that setting it is frequently paired with equity and inclusion, a group of ideas known by the initials DEI. Inclusion asks whether people feel welcome and able to take part, while diversity counts who is in the room.
Laws on this differ by country. Many places ban unfair discrimination on grounds such as religion, sex or disability, but rules about whether organizations may consider background when choosing people vary widely.
Why people disagree about it
Few people argue against variety in general. The debate is about diversity programs and how far institutions should go to shape who is in a group.
- Supporters say a mix of backgrounds brings wider skills and views, helps services understand the people they serve, and addresses barriers some groups have faced.
- Critics say some programs focus too much on group identity, can feel like box ticking, or may conflict with choosing people purely on individual merit.
- Many others support the goal but argue about methods, costs and how to measure results.
Understanding these positions helps you read news and reports on the topic fairly.
Diversity in sentences
- Coral reefs support an astonishing diversity of fish.
- Our book club has a lot of age diversity, from college students to retired teachers.
- The phrase unity in diversity is often used to describe India's many languages, faiths and cultures.
- The survey measured the diversity of the town's small businesses.
Diverse, diversify, diversification
The adjective diverse describes a mixed group or range: a diverse neighborhood, diverse interests. Strictly, one person cannot be diverse; a group is. Saying a diverse candidate for one person is common in some workplaces but criticized by many editors, so a candidate from a different background is clearer.
The verb diversify means to make more varied. In money matters, diversification means spreading investments across different types to reduce risk, which is a separate, technical use.
Origin and opposite
English picked the word up from Old French diversite, itself from Latin diversitas, built on diversus, turned in different directions. The image of paths turning different ways still fits the modern sense of variety.
Its opposites include uniformity, sameness and homogeneity. Related ideas such as culture and ethnicity are explained on their own pages, while our society and politics hub gathers similar terms.
Frequently asked questions
What is the meaning of diversity in simple words?
Diversity means variety. It describes a group or place that includes many different kinds of people, things or ideas.
What is the definition of diversity in the workplace?
At work, diversity usually means having employees from a range of backgrounds, such as different genders, ages, ethnic groups, religions, abilities and regions. How companies pursue it, and whether they should, is debated.
What is the difference between diversity and inclusion?
Diversity describes the mix of people present. Inclusion is about whether those people are treated fairly and can fully take part. A group can be diverse without being inclusive.
Is diversity a political word?
In its general sense of variety, no. In debates about hiring, admissions and policy, it has become politically charged, and people hold strong and differing views.
How do you pronounce diversity?
Both dye-VUR-sih-tee and dih-VUR-sih-tee are standard. The first is more common in American speech, while many Indian and British speakers use either.
What is the opposite of diversity?
Uniformity and homogeneity are the closest opposites. Both describe a group where everything or everyone is very similar.