Multiple vs. Diverse — What's the Difference?
By Tayyaba Rehman — Published on November 22, 2023
Multiple means having several or many, while diverse means having variety or being distinct in nature.
Difference Between Multiple and Diverse
Table of Contents
ADVERTISEMENT
Key Differences
Multiple and diverse are both words that refer to quantity and variety, but with nuanced differences.
Multiple refers to the existence of more than one of something. It emphasizes quantity. For example, a person can have multiple hobbies such as painting, reading, and gardening. Diverse, on the other hand, implies a range of different types or varieties. A group of people with varied cultural backgrounds can be described as diverse.
In mathematics and everyday scenarios, multiple often denotes a number that can be divided by another without leaving a remainder.
Diverse, however, does not concern itself with numbers in such a specific manner. Instead, it describes a range or mixture of different things. A diverse collection might include books of different genres or artifacts from different eras.
When looking at investments, one might hear the term multiple sources of income.
ADVERTISEMENT
This means having income from more than one source, like a salary, rental income, and dividends. Diverse investments would mean investing in various asset classes, such as stocks, bonds, and real estate.
Multiple tasks indicate numerous tasks that one might have to accomplish.
Diverse tasks mean tasks that are varied in nature, requiring different skills or approaches.
Comparison Chart
Definition
Having or involving several elements
Showing a great deal of variety
Contextual Usage
Emphasizes quantity
Emphasizes variety
Mathematical Relation
A number divisible by another
Not specifically used in math
In Reference to Groups
Indicates number in a group
Indicates variety within a group
Synonyms
Numerous, several
Varied, assorted
Compare with Definitions
Multiple
Pertaining to more than one.
She has multiple interests in arts and sciences.
Diverse
Showing a great deal or variety.
The committee is diverse in its members' backgrounds.
Multiple
Occurring or done on several occasions.
He made multiple attempts to pass the exam.
Diverse
Of various kinds or forms.
This store sells diverse products.
Multiple
Involving several parts or elements.
The project has multiple phases.
Diverse
Indicating a mixture of various things.
The museum has a diverse collection of artifacts.
Multiple
Having or involving several patients or diseases.
She was diagnosed with multiple sclerosis.
Diverse
Differing one from another
Members of the same family can have very diverse personalities.
Multiple
Used to describe a number that can be divided by another number without leaving a remainder.
15 is a multiple of 5.
Diverse
Made up of distinct characteristics, qualities, or elements
"Prague ... offers visitors a series of excursions into a rich and diverse past" (Olivier Bernier).
Multiple
Having, relating to, or consisting of more than one individual, element, part, or other component; manifold.
Diverse
Relating to or containing people from different ethnicities and social backgrounds
A diverse workforce.
A diverse curriculum.
Multiple
A number that may be divided by another number with no remainder
4, 6, and 12 are multiples of 2.
Diverse
Consisting of many different elements; various.
Multiple
More than one (followed by plural).
My Swiss Army knife has multiple blades.
Diverse
Different; dissimilar; distinct; not the same
Multiple
Having more than one element, part, component, or function, having more than one instance, occurring more than once, usually contrary to expectations (can be followed by a singular).
Some states do explicitly prohibit multiple citizenship.
It was a multiple pregnancy: the woman had triplets.
Multiple registrations are an increasing problem for many social networking sites.
Diverse
Capable of various forms; multiform.
Multiple
(mathematics) A whole number that can be divided by another number with no remainder.
Diverse
Belonging to a minority group.
Multiple
(finance) Price-earnings ratio.
Diverse
In different directions; diversely.
Multiple
One of a set of the same thing; a duplicate.
Diverse
Different; unlike; dissimilar; distinct; separate.
The word . . . is used in a sense very diverse from its original import.
Our roads are diverse: farewell, love! said she.
Multiple
A single individual who has multiple personalities.
Diverse
Capable of various forms; multiform.
Eloquence is a great and diverse thing.
Multiple
One of a set of siblings produced by a multiple birth.
Diverse
In different directions; diversely.
Multiple
A chain store.
Diverse
To turn aside.
The redcross knight diverst, but forth rode Britomart.
Multiple
A discovery resulting from the work of many people throughout history, not merely the work of the person who makes the final connection.
Diverse
Many and different;
Tourist offices of divers nationalities
A person of diverse talents
Multiple
More than one piercing in a single ear.
Diverse
Distinctly dissimilar or unlike;
Diverse parts of the country
Celebrities as diverse as Bob Hope and Bob Dylan
Animals as various as the jaguar and the cavy and the sloth
Multiple
Containing more than once, or more than one; consisting of more than one; manifold; repeated many times; having several, or many, parts.
Diverse
Different from one another.
The ecosystems here are diverse.
Multiple
A quantity containing another quantity an integral number of times without a remainder.
Diverse
Coming from different cultures or societies.
A diverse workforce brings unique perspectives.
Multiple
The product of a quantity by an integer;
36 is a multiple of 9
Multiple
Having or involving or consisting of more than one part or entity or individual;
Multiple birth
Multiple ownership
Made multiple copies of the speech
His multiple achievements in public life
Her multiple personalities
A pineapple is a multiple fruit
Common Curiosities
Is diverse the same as multiple?
No, diverse refers to variety or difference, while multiple refers to quantity.
What's the mathematical significance of multiple?
In math, a multiple is a number that can be divided by another without leaving a remainder.
What does multiple mean?
Multiple means having or involving several elements or parts.
Can a group of things be both multiple and diverse?
Yes, for example, a collection can have multiple items that are diverse in nature.
Does diverse have a mathematical significance?
No, diverse generally isn’t used in a specific mathematical context.
Can I use multiple to describe types of things?
While multiple emphasizes quantity, it can also indirectly suggest types if there are several distinct items.
What’s a synonym for diverse?
Varied.
What is the opposite of multiple?
Singular.
When should I use diverse over multiple?
Use diverse when emphasizing variety or difference and multiple for quantity.
Is diversity a noun form of diverse?
Yes, diversity is the noun form indicating variety.
Can the word multiple refer to dual occurrences?
Yes, dual is a subset of multiple, indicating two occurrences or elements.
Is "multiple choices" the same as "diverse choices"?
Not exactly. "Multiple choices" indicates several options, while "diverse choices" means options of varied nature.
Is a diverse group necessarily large?
No, a group can be small but still diverse if its members have varied backgrounds or characteristics.
Can a person have multiple identities?
Yes, someone can identify with multiple cultures, for instance.
Can I say "multiple diversities"?
Yes, it means several types or kinds of variety or difference.
Share Your Discovery
Previous Comparison
Sales Management vs. Marketing Management
Next Comparison
Density vs. Relative DensityAuthor Spotlight
Written by
Tayyaba RehmanTayyaba Rehman is a distinguished writer, currently serving as a primary contributor to askdifference.com. As a researcher in semantics and etymology, Tayyaba's passion for the complexity of languages and their distinctions has found a perfect home on the platform. Tayyaba delves into the intricacies of language, distinguishing between commonly confused words and phrases, thereby providing clarity for readers worldwide.
