Deviation

Definition

Deviation refers to the act or instance of departing from an established course, standard, or norm; it can also denote the amount by which a value differs from a reference value. Its plural form is deviations.

Parts of Speech

• Noun

Pronunciation

American English

• IPA: /ˌdiː.viˈeɪ.ʃən/
• Respelling: dee-vee-AY-shun

British English

• IPA: /ˌdiː.vɪˈeɪ.ʃən/
• Respelling: dee-vi-AY-shun

Etymology

Mid 17th century: from French déviation, from Late Latin deviationem “a turning aside,” from Latin deviare “to turn aside,” from de- “away” + via “way.”

Derivatives

• deviate (verb)
• deviator (noun)
• deviational (adjective)
• deviatory (adjective)

Synonyms

• departure
• divergence
• variance
• digression
• aberration

Antonyms

• conformity
• adherence
• normality
• compliance

Usage

"The pilot corrected the course after a slight deviation."

"The statistical analysis revealed a large deviation from the expected mean."

Related Terms

• Divergence: The process or state of moving apart.
• Variance: The measure of dispersion in statistics.
• Aberration: A departure from what is normal or expected.
• Digression: A temporary departure from the main subject.
• Departure: The act of leaving or deviating from a path.

Detailed Definitions

Noun

• The act of departing from an established course, direction, or standard – an instance of moving away from an expected path.
  • Example: "A slight deviation in the flight path required adjustment."
• The amount by which a value differs from a reference or expected value – a quantitative measure of variation.
  • Example: "The standard deviation indicated significant spread in the data."
• A departure from accepted norms or practices – a divergence in behavior or expectation.
  • Example: "His actions represented a deviation from company policy."