verb Uncommon

deviate

DEE-vee-ayt

Deviate (verb) means to move away from a planned course, method, or expected standard. Example: “The pilot had to deviate from the flight path to avoid the storm.”

verb

To move away from a planned course, method, or expected standard.

"The pilot had to deviate from the flight path to avoid the storm."

"Please don't deviate from the recipe on your first attempt."

noun

A measured value showing how far a variable differs from a fixed reference point.

"Each deviate was plotted against the expected mean."

How to use deviate

Learner’s notes

In plain EnglishTo go off the expected route, plan, or pattern.

Common mistake

As a verb it means "to stray"; as an old-fashioned noun it can mean a deviant person — that noun use is now rare and sounds clinical or dated.

Easily confused with

deviant →

Common pairings

deviate from the plan deviate from the norm slightly deviate

Word forms

deviated past tense, deviates plural, deviates singular

Study it as flashcards or scroll it in Flow — saved to your collection.

Test yourself on “deviate” A quick quiz — meaning, synonyms & usage →

Fill the gap

Can you complete this real example?

The pilot had to _____ from the flight path to avoid the storm.

Etymology

From Late Latin dēviātus, past participle of dēviāre, "to turn out of the way" — from de- ("off") + via ("road").

Origin: Late Latin

Synonyms

View more →

vary depart divert degenerate pervert deviant diverge

Related words

go part come change leave die abuse strange

Rhymes for deviate

ate date rate mate fate abate slate plate state grate create update

See all rhymes for deviate →

Frequently asked questions

What does “deviate” mean?

The word “deviate” means to move away from a planned course, method, or expected standard. In plain terms, to go off the expected route, plan, or pattern.

How do you pronounce “deviate”?

“Deviate” is pronounced DEE-vee-ayt (/ˈdi.vi.eɪt/ in IPA).

How do you use “deviate” in a sentence?

Here is “deviate” used in a sentence: “The pilot had to deviate from the flight path to avoid the storm.”

What part of speech is “deviate”?

Depending on how it is used, “deviate” can be a verb and a noun.

Where does the word “deviate” come from?

The word “deviate” comes from Late Latin. From Late Latin dēviātus, past participle of dēviāre, "to turn out of the way" — from de- ("off") + via ("road").

Is “deviate” a common word?

“Deviate” is an uncommon word in modern English.

How many meanings does “deviate” have?

“Deviate” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: to move away from a planned course, method, or expected standard.

People also searched

go part come change leave die abuse strange