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
1
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
1
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 notesIn 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
Common pairings
deviate from the plan
deviate from the norm
slightly deviate
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Word forms
- Plural
- deviates
- Third person singular
- deviates
- Past tense
- deviated
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").
Synonyms
View more →Antonyms
Related words
Rhymes for deviate
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.
