noun

diversity

dye-VUR-suh-tee/daɪˈvɜːrsəti/

The presence of different kinds of people or things within a group.

The market stall displays a diversity of foods and flowers.

A market stall displays many different fruits, vegetables, breads, and flowers side by side, making the presence of different kinds of things visible.

Etymology

diLatinapart, aside

+versLatinto turn

+ityLatinstate or quality

The underlying image is of things “turned different ways.” This developed into difference or variety, connecting diversity with the presence of different kinds rather than uniformity.

In context

Nicos Marcou9:24

they end up competing for the same type of talent which results in workplaces that lack diversity.

Work has changed. Why haven't resumes?

TED presenter6:22

to create genetic diversity.

Embracing otherness, embracing myself | Thandiwe Newton

More examples

The pond supports a remarkable diversity of plants and animals.
We value the diversity of opinions on our team.
The festival celebrates the city's cultural diversity.

Forms

diversity

diverse adjective — Including several different types or kinds.

diversify verb — To make or become more varied.

Similar words

variety: Emphasizes a range of types, not necessarily different backgrounds.
mix: Emphasizes the combination of different elements in a group.