I. də̇ˈsparə̇t also -ˈsper- or ˈdisp(ə)r-; usu -ə̇d.+V noun
( -s )
Etymology: Latin disparatum, from neuter of disparatus
: something disparate : one of two or more things so unequal or unlike that they cannot be compared with each other — usually used in plural
II. adjective
Etymology: Latin disparatus, past participle of disparare to separate, from dis- dis- (I) + parare to make ready, prepare — more at pare
1.
a. : distinct in quality or character : unequal , dissimilar
cast as a young lady who has three disparate personalities — John McCarten
connecting disparate thoughts purely by means of resemblances in the words expressing them — S.T.Coleridge
a series of disparate biological essays strung loosely within a historical framework — L.C.Eiseley
such disparate attractions as grand opera and game fishing — M.A.Santin
b. : comprising markedly dissimilar and unequal elements : not homogeneous
a disparate aggregate of creeds, prayers, and songs — Joseph Kerman
this most disparate genius of the middle ages — H.O.Taylor
a poet's mind … is constantly amalgamating disparate experience — T.S.Eliot
specifically of polygamy and polyandry : characterized by inequality of the plural partners
2. of two or more statements : having no definitive relation in common : connected only by some notion of great generality or by some interest of extreme catholicity — opposed to connex
3. : indicating or stimulating dissimilar points on the retina of each eye
Synonyms: see different