Deviate

To deviate means to depart from an established course, norm, or principle. It implies a divergence or turning aside from a specific path, standard, or expectation. This departure can be physical, behavioral, or conceptual. Deviation can occur intentionally, as a conscious choice, or unintentionally, as a result of unforeseen circumstances. It suggests a shift, alteration, or difference compared to a baseline. The context often influences whether the deviation is viewed negatively, as a mistake, or positively, as innovation. Deviation suggests difference, divergence, and departure from the norm. The implication leans on the unexpected. Deviating from the rules means you may be subject to different consequences than those who follow the guidelines. This can range from mild admonishment to more severe penalties.

Deviate meaning with examples

• The flight plan specified a direct route, but the pilot decided to deviate slightly to avoid the thunderstorm. This minor deviation, though against the original plan, ensured the safety of the passengers by re-routing the journey around the dangerous weather. Therefore, this route was not as the flight originally intended.
• During the experiment, several participants began to deviate from the prescribed protocol, offering additional data. Although their insights offered new perspectives, they had to remain true to the experiment’s strict guidelines in order to maintain the integrity of the research. Therefore, the experiment remained true to the protocol.
• The artist's recent work began to deviate from his signature style, incorporating bolder colors and abstract forms. While some critics found it refreshing, others considered it a departure from the aesthetic they had come to expect, and they thought his art had become unrecognisable.
• The company's new marketing strategy deviates significantly from its previous approach, focusing on social media engagement. This change suggests new expectations of customers, and is designed to better capture the attention of a younger demographic. These initiatives included new advertisement methods.
• In the novel, the protagonist's actions deviate from the conventional hero archetype, displaying moral ambiguity. This departure from the predictable character type created a more complex and compelling narrative, challenging readers' expectations and norms, as they became increasingly invested in the protagonist.