Disparate

Adjective

Definition: Essentially different; unrelated; distinct.

Synonyms: Different, Diverse, Distinct

Antonyms: Similar, Alike, Uniform

Examples:

The two paintings displayed in the gallery are disparate in style and subject matter.
The committee members held disparate opinions on how to approach the issue.

Mnemonics:

Think of "dis-" as a negation prefix meaning "not" and "parate" as "pair" or "related." Disparate means not related or essentially different.

Etymology:

Origin:

Late Middle English from Latin 'disparatus', past participle of 'disparare', from 'dis-' (apart, differently) + 'parare' (make ready or prepare).

Historical Usage:

The term has been used since the late 15th century, primarily in English-speaking contexts.

Related Idioms:

Idiom:

"Disparate impact"

Explanation:

Refers to a legal term used in discrimination law to describe a situation where a particular policy or practice, although seemingly neutral, disproportionately affects a certain group of people, leading to discrimination.

Misconceptions:

Misconception:

Confusing "disparate" with "desperate."

Explanation:

These two words have different meanings and should not be used interchangeably. "Disparate" means essentially different, while "desperate" refers to a state of extreme need or urgency.