Disparate

mediumNeutral tone

DIS-puh-rit

adjective

Definition

Essentially different in kind; distinct and not able to be compared directly

Memory hook

DIS-PARATE: things set APART that can't be PAIRED together — fundamentally different.

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Word roots

disapart(Latin)
parareto prepare/make equal(Latin)

Learning roots unlocks whole word families. Study common GRE root words.

Examples

The two researchers reached disparate conclusions despite analyzing the same data.
The company's disparate business units operated with minimal coordination between them.

Test yourself

Fill in the blank with the right word:

The two researchers reached ______ conclusions despite analyzing the same data.
Show answer

disparate

Synonyms

dissimilardivergentheterogeneousincongruous

Antonyms

similarhomogeneousanalogouscomparable

Categories

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GRE Tip

Disparate is a medium-difficulty GRE word. On the GRE, you might see it paired with synonyms like "dissimilar" or "divergent" in Sentence Equivalence questions. Look for contrast clues (however, despite, although) that signal the opposite meaning. Words like "similar".

Read: How to Memorize GRE Words That Actually Stick

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