convergence

The process of things coming together or becoming more alike.

• Their views showed increasing convergence.
• The convergence of technology and art created new possibilities.
• There has been little convergence between the two countries' policies.

How to use it: convergence of A and B (We are seeing a convergence of television and online media.); convergence between A and B (The talks revealed convergence between the two parties' policies.)

Similar words: coming together, merging

Opposites: divergence

Common phrases: convergence of interests, economic convergence, convergence of ideas

The joining of different technologies, businesses, or devices into one system.

• Smartphones are an example of technological convergence.
• Media convergence has changed how news reaches us.
• The company encourages convergence between its television and internet services.

How to use it: convergence of something (The convergence of these technologies created new services.)

Similar words: integration, merging

Common phrases: technological convergence, media convergence, convergence of technologies

A place where two or more things meet.

• We camped near the convergence of two streams.
• The convergence of these roads marks the town centre.
• A bridge crosses the river just below the convergence.

How to use it: convergence of A and B (The village stands at the convergence of the two rivers.)

Similar words: meeting point, junction

Common phrases: convergence of rivers, at the convergence

The meeting of three coloured light-producing beams at the same spot on an older television screen.

• Poor convergence makes the picture look blurred.
• The technician adjusted the convergence on the old television.
• Check convergence if coloured edges appear around objects.

Common phrases: convergence adjustment, beam convergence, poor convergence