What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
divagation
Example
The professor's divagation from the main topic confused the students. [divagation: noun]
Example
Her essay was full of divagations and lacked a clear thesis statement. [divagations: plural noun]
deviation
Example
The company's deviation from its usual business model led to financial losses. [deviation: noun]
Example
The experiment showed a deviation from the expected results. [deviation: noun]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Deviation is more commonly used than divagation in everyday language, especially in technical or scientific contexts. Divagation is less common and may be considered more literary or artistic in nature.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between divagation and deviation?
Both divagation and deviation can be used in formal or informal contexts, but deviation is more versatile and can be employed in various formality levels, allowing it to be used in both formal and informal contexts.
