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Meaning & use

deviated

verb, adjective·Everyday

Last updated

UK/ˈdiːvieɪtɪd/
US/ˈdiːvieɪtɪd/

“deviated” is a form of “deviate”. See that entry for the full set of meanings.

Meanings

  1. verbintransitive

    Moved away from an expected path, plan, or usual way of doing something.

    Grammar: No object; the thing you left behind comes after 'from': deviate from the plan.

    Patterns

    • deviated from something
    • deviated from the norm
    • deviated slightly

    The pilot deviated from the flight path to avoid the storm.

    His report deviated from the usual format, which confused the readers.

  2. verbintransitive

    Turned away from a straight course or fixed direction.

    Grammar: No object; often used about light, aircraft, or ships that leave a set line.

    Patterns

    • deviated from a course
    • deviated to the left
    • deviated sharply

    The compass needle deviated slightly when we passed the metal door.

    The ship deviated to the north to stay clear of the rocks.

  3. adjectivebefore a nounmedical

    Describing a body part that has bent away from its normal position, especially the wall between the nostrils.

    Grammar: Used before a noun in medical descriptions: a deviated septum.

    Patterns

    • a deviated septum

    The doctor said his blocked nose was caused by a deviated septum.

    Surgery can straighten a deviated septum and make breathing easier.

Word forms

third person singulardeviates
past tensedeviated
past participledeviated
-ing formdeviating

Common combinations

deviate from the plan
We had to deviate from the plan when the road was closed.
deviate from the norm
Her teaching style deviates from the norm in a good way.
deviate slightly
The results deviated slightly from what we predicted.
deviate widely
Opinions deviated widely across the group.
deviate from the subject
The chair asked the speaker not to deviate from the subject.

Synonyms and how they differ

diverge
Stronger and more technical; it suggests two things moving apart, while 'deviate' focuses on one thing leaving a set path.
stray
More informal and often about people wandering off; it can suggest carelessness, which 'deviate' does not.
depart
More formal and often used for leaving a rule or tradition rather than a physical route.

Opposites

followconform

Word family

deviation noun
the act of moving away from a rule, plan, or path.
deviant adjective
different from what is considered normal, often in a disapproving way.
deviate verb
the base form meaning to move away from an expected course.

Commonly confused: deviated or devise?

deviated vs devise

'Devise' means to invent or plan something, as in 'devise a method'. It sounds similar but has nothing to do with leaving a path.

Practice

The hikers ___ from the marked trail and got lost.

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