Definitions
- Describing the act of changing the direction of something that is moving in a straight line. - Referring to the act of avoiding a question or topic by changing the subject. - Talking about the act of preventing something from hitting or affecting a target.
- Referring to the act of moving away from a planned or expected course of action. - Describing the act of departing from a standard or norm. - Talking about the act of changing the usual or expected way of doing something.
List of Similarities
- 1Both words involve a change from an original path or direction.
- 2Both words can be used to describe physical or non-physical changes.
- 3Both words imply a deviation from a standard or expected course of action.
- 4Both words can be used in a figurative sense.
What is the difference?
- 1Direction: Deflect implies a change in direction, while deviate implies a departure from a planned or expected course.
- 2Cause: Deflect suggests an external force causing the change, while deviate suggests an internal decision or choice.
- 3Focus: Deflect focuses on avoiding or preventing something, while deviate focuses on changing the original plan or course of action.
- 4Usage: Deflect is more commonly used in physical contexts, while deviate is more commonly used in non-physical contexts.
- 5Connotation: Deflect has a neutral connotation, while deviate can have a negative connotation when referring to a departure from a standard or norm.
Remember this!
Deflect and deviate are synonyms that both describe a change from an original path or direction. However, deflect implies a change in direction caused by an external force, while deviate implies a departure from a planned or expected course of action due to an internal decision or choice. Additionally, deflect is more commonly used in physical contexts, while deviate is more commonly used in non-physical contexts.
