deviation

A difference from what is usual, expected, or required.

• This is a slight deviation.
• The manager allowed no deviation from the plan.
• We noticed several deviations from the usual pattern.

How to use it: deviation from something (Any deviation from the agreed rules must be explained.)

Similar words: departure, variation, divergence

Common phrases: deviation from something, slight deviation, significant deviation

The difference between a number and an average or other chosen value.

• The deviation from the mean is two.
• A negative deviation means the value is below the reference value.
• We calculated the standard deviation of the measurements.

How to use it: deviation from something (The deviation from the mean was calculated for each value.)

Similar words: difference

Common phrases: standard deviation, mean deviation, deviation from average

An act of moving away from the correct or planned path.

• A small deviation took us off the path.
• The pilot corrected a deviation from the planned course.
• Our deviation from the route added an hour to the journey.

How to use it: deviation from something (The map showed our deviation from the planned route.)

Similar words: departure, detour

Common phrases: deviation from course, route deviation, deviation from something

An action that breaks a moral or religious rule.

• The preacher warned against moral deviation.
• He viewed the act as a deviation from religious duty.
• Such deviations were punished severely by the community.

How to use it: deviation from something (The preacher condemned any deviation from God’s will.)

Similar words: transgression, sin, offense

Common phrases: moral deviation, deviation from duty, sinful deviation