Disparate

Disparate describes things that are fundamentally different and of distinct kinds; not allowing for comparison or having nothing in common. This difference can be in terms of quality, character, or composition. When used, it emphasizes the lack of similarity or connection between two or more subjects. It often highlights contrast and diversity within a single collection or across different groups, emphasizing the wide gap separating the elements in question, creating a clear understanding of differences, and highlighting the absence of a common ground between compared items. The term suggests that elements are not only different but also potentially unrelated or even incompatible.

Disparate meaning with examples

• The museum's collection comprised Disparate artifacts from various cultures, spanning different centuries, reflecting the wide range of human experience. The items' origins, purposes, and artistic styles were incredibly varied. It showed the contrast that provided an interesting view to explore the many different facets of global history, despite their lack of a shared narrative or purpose within the collection itself.
• Despite having similar goals, the teams' approaches remained Disparate, reflecting their differing backgrounds and work styles. Their projects demonstrated significant differences in strategy, execution, and use of resources. This led to challenges in collaboration, highlighting the difficulties in merging different, unrelated elements and the importance of finding a shared strategy.
• The movie presented a storyline that was difficult to follow because it combined Disparate elements, creating confusion. The narrative featured segments of science fiction, comedy, and historical drama. It was an abrupt change of styles making the film feel disjointed. Audiences struggle to find a cohesive whole, resulting in a negative viewing experience.
• The consultant reviewed the Disparate data from the different departments to get a complete view of the company's operations. Each team had collected its own data using unique methods. It highlighted data silos, because it involved challenges, such as the need for converting and cleaning data to conduct accurate analysis, allowing an overall picture.
• The artist's latest exhibition showcased a collection of Disparate artworks, ranging from abstract paintings to detailed sculptures. Her work provided a glimpse of each person and place the artist encountered. The vast range was intended to reflect her artistic versatility and the complexity of her observations, with very few commonalities between the different works.