deviation

IPA

Dictionary definition of deviation

The act or instance of departing from a standard, norm, expectation, or established course or pattern.
"The experiment showed a significant deviation from the expected results."

Detailed meaning of deviation

It implies a divergence or departure from the usual or desired path, direction, behavior, or outcome. 'Deviation' can occur in various contexts, such as in statistics, where it represents the difference between an observed value and the expected value. In scientific or technical fields, it denotes a departure from a set procedure or protocol. In behavior or decision-making, 'deviation' suggests a departure from the accepted or prescribed norms or rules. It can also refer to a departure from a planned or intended course of action. 'Deviation' highlights a deviation from what is considered typical, acceptable, or planned, and often calls attention to a departure that may require examination, evaluation, or correction.

Example sentences containing deviation

1. The hiker's sudden deviation from the trail led to getting lost in the wilderness.
2. The company's financial report highlighted a deviation in the projected sales figures.
3. The teacher noticed a deviation in the student's behavior and reached out to discuss it.
4. The quality control team identified a deviation in the manufacturing process that needed to be addressed.
5. The project manager noted a deviation from the original timeline and adjusted the deadlines accordingly.
6. The athlete's injury caused a deviation in their training routine.

History and etymology of deviation

The noun 'deviation' originates from Latin and is connected to the verb 'deviare,' which combines 'de,' meaning 'from' or 'away,' with 'via,' meaning 'way' or 'road.' In its original Latin form, 'deviare' referred to the act of wandering or straying from the usual path or course. Over time, as Latin evolved into Romance languages and then into English, the term 'deviation' emerged to describe the act or instance of departing from a standard, norm, expectation, or established course or pattern. Thus, the etymology of 'deviation' underscores its historical link to the idea of veering away from the established route, emphasizing the departure from the usual or expected.

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Further usage examples of deviation

1. The weather forecast predicted a deviation from the usual seasonal patterns.
2. The committee reviewed the project proposal and requested clarification on a deviation from the initial scope.
3. The conductor noticed a slight deviation in the orchestra's timing and corrected it during the performance.
4. The traffic camera captured a driver's deviation from the designated lane, resulting in a violation.
5. The survey revealed a deviation in consumer preferences compared to previous years.
6. The unexpected deviation from the flight path worried passengers.
7. A slight deviation in temperature can affect plant growth.
8. Statistical analysis helps identify data points that exhibit deviation.
9. The deviation in his behavior raised concerns among friends.
10. The deviation from company policy led to disciplinary action.
11. In science, a deviation from the hypothesis can reveal new insights.
12. Detecting a deviation in financial records is crucial for audits.
13. The market showed an unusual deviation in trading patterns.
14. A deviation from the recipe can result in a different dish.
15. The deviation in test scores indicated a need for adjustments.
16. The project's deviation from the timeline caused delays.
17. His deviation from tradition surprised the entire family.
18. An unexpected deviation in weather can disrupt plans.
19. The deviation in traffic flow caused a major bottleneck.
20. Detecting a deviation in machinery can prevent breakdowns.
21. The artistic deviation from the norm sparked a debate.
22. The slight deviation in orbit affected the satellite's function.
23. A deviation from the norm can lead to innovation.
24. Identifying a deviation in stock prices is vital for investors.
25. The deviation in her performance raised questions about her abilities.