GRE Word of the Day: 2.1.2012

Heterogeneous - {adjective}

1. Different in kind; unlike; incongruous.

2. Composed of parts of different kinds; having widely dissimilar elements or constituents: The party was attended by a heterogeneous group of artists, politicians, and social climbers.

Synonyms:

amalgamate, composite, confused, conglomerate, contrary, contrasted, different, discordant, discrepant, disparate, dissimilar, divergent, diverse, diversified, incongruous, independent, inharmonious, jumbled, mingled, mixed, mongrel, mosaic, motley, multifarious, multiplex, odd, opposed, unallied, unlike, unrelated, variant, varied, variegated

Antonyms:

homogeneous, identical, pure, single, unchanging, uniform

Example Sentences:

1. The mosaic was composed of a heterogeneous mixture of glazed ceramic - many different sizes, shapes, and colors were present.

2. The heterogeneous composition of the judiciary committee resulted in a long and drawn out confirmation - no one could make a comment without starting a protracted argument.