B1 5K

Converge

UK //kənˈvɜːdʒ// US //kənˈvɜrdʒ// Pronunciation

Definition

To come together from different points to meet at a common place.

Listen to definition

In simple words: to come together from different directions

Examples

• The two rivers will converge in the valley.
• Scientists expect the theories to converge over time.
• As we talked, our ideas began to converge.
• Traffic from the north and south converge at the traffic lights.
• The paths converge at the entrance of the park.

Usage notes

Used in scientific, mathematical, and social contexts; appropriate in both spoken and written forms. Less commonly used in very casual conversations.

Grammar pattern

converge + on/at + location or idea

Memory hint

Think of 'converging paths' joining together at a point.

Collocations

• converge on a point
• converge toward a conclusion
• converge at an intersection
• converge in agreement
• converge around an idea

Synonyms

• meet
• join
• intersect
• merge
• assemble

Antonyms

• diverge
• separate
• scatter

Common mistakes

• 'Converge' used incorrectly as 'converged' when speaking of ongoing action.
• Confused with 'diverge', which means to separate.
• 'Converge' mistakenly used with an object when it should indicate a location.