heterogeneous
What does "heterogeneous" mean?
Heterogeneous describes a group or system that is made up of parts that are different from one another in character, quality, or origin. Imagine a fruit salad containing everything from berries and melons to tropical dragon fruit; because the ingredients are diverse and distinct, the mixture is considered heterogeneous. This word is most commonly used in academic, scientific, or professional settings to contrast with "homogeneous" (which implies uniformity). It is frequently used to describe data sets, populations, or chemical mixtures where the components do not blend into a single, uniform substance.
"heterogeneous" in conversation
Discussing a research group
Are we looking for a homogeneous sample?
Are we looking for a homogeneous sample?
No, the study requires a heterogeneous group to ensure diverse perspectives.
No, the study requires a heterogeneous group to ensure diverse perspectives.
Used here to contrast with a uniform sample.
Planning a team project
Our team is quite heterogeneous in terms of skill sets.
Our team is quite heterogeneous in terms of skill sets.
That’s a strength! We have coders, designers, and marketers all in one room.
That’s a strength! We have coders, designers, and marketers all in one room.
Highlights the benefit of having diverse skills in a group.
"heterogeneous" in a sentence
The class was composed of a heterogeneous group of students.
The class was composed of a heterogeneous group of students.
The software must be able to handle heterogeneous data sources effectively.
The software must be able to handle heterogeneous data sources effectively.
The landscape was a heterogeneous mosaic of forests, wetlands, and arid plains.
The landscape was a heterogeneous mosaic of forests, wetlands, and arid plains.
