Deviate
/ˈdiːvieɪt/
Definitions
2 meaningsTo depart or stray from a set course, standard, or topic.
/ˈdiːvieɪt/
To depart from an established course or usual way of doing things.
The bus deviated from its usual route due to road construction.
💡 Simply: Imagine you're on a road trip and decide to take a different route than the one on the map. That means you're deviating. It's like when you're talking about something and then get off-topic – you're deviating from the original subject.
👶 For kids: To go a different way or do something different from what's expected.
More Examples
The speaker deviated from the prepared script during the Q&A session.
The company's new strategy deviates significantly from its previous approach.
How It's Used
"The hiking trail deviates from the main path."
"The experiment results deviated from the predicted values."
A person whose behavior or attitudes differ from what is considered normal or acceptable.
/ˈdiːviənt/
A person who deviates from the norm.
The novel explores the lives of social deviants and their struggles.
💡 Simply: This is someone who doesn't follow the rules or does things that most people wouldn't. Think of someone who always breaks the rules, they might be considered a deviant.
👶 For kids: Someone who does things that are different from what most people think is okay.
More Examples
Critics often label artists who challenge societal norms as deviants.
The study examined the causes of deviant behavior in adolescents.
How It's Used
"The study focused on the behavior of social deviants."
"The therapist worked with patients who exhibited deviant behavior."
Idioms & expressions
deviate from the norm
To act or behave in a way that is different from what is generally accepted or expected.
"His behavior at the party was considered a deviation from the norm."
deviation from the truth
An act of not telling the truth; dishonesty.
"His testimony contained several deviations from the truth."
From Latin *deviatus*, past participle of *deviare* 'to turn aside, stray', from *de-* 'away' + *via* 'way'.
The word 'deviate' appeared in the late 16th century, initially meaning 'to turn aside.' It was used in both literal and figurative senses.
Memory tip
Imagine a compass needle that starts to deviate from north - it's no longer on the right track!
Word Origin
"away + to go/way"