deflection

USAGE SUMMARY

The word "deflection" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when referring to the act of someone or something avoiding an expected course or avoiding a topic, question, or challenge. Example sentence: She deftly avoided answering his question by making a deflection.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Valencia had two big chances before half-time but Barragan's curling effort was deflected off Pepe's back for a corner before another deflection left Iker Casillas standing as Andre Gomes's shot came back off the upright but the goalkeeper sprang into action to deny Paco Alcacer on the rebound.

The Guardian - Sport

It takes a deflection and skids up off the surface and Poland are grateful to see it fly straight into the hands of Tyton.

The Guardian - Sport

On one corner of the table there was "full scale deflection" – an off-the-scale reading of alpha radiation.

The Guardian

But the Germans quickly pulled back a goal through Morlock, after Rahn had played Hans Schaefer's leftwing cross into the goalmouth, where it took a slight deflection off Hungary's right-half, Jozef Bozsik.

The Guardian

The Brazilians, and Neymar in particular, stood up to the physical onslaught, but still needed a crucial deflection to survive a last-gasp header from the new Manchester United signing Radamel Falcao.

The Guardian - Sport

It was a deft deflection, which largely worked, and the little frisson over travel perks dissipated quickly enough.

The Guardian

A shot from Mostefa about 30 yards takes a wicked deflection off Jerome Boateng and, with Neuer going the wrong way, fizzes a couple of feet wide of the upright.

The Guardian - Sport

He finds space on the right and his cross takes a deflection, requiring a timely intervention from Wasilewski with red shirts waiting to pounce.

The Guardian - Sport

Andrew Driver tapped the ball to Rudi Skacel and his attempt found the net with a small deflection off James McPake.

The Guardian - Sport

West Bromwich's captain Darren Fletcher, the United loyalist who won the free-kick from which Chris Brunt scored the winning goal via a Jonas Olsson deflection, has no doubt that, whatever money Van Gaal and the club need to spend this summer to make that a reality, it must be spent.

The Guardian - Sport

The substitute struck a shot from 20 yards with the assistance of a slight deflection as Motherwell rediscovered their fighting spirit following a run of one point in eight games.

The Guardian - Sport

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing the alteration of a physical path, such as in sports or physics, use "deflection" to precisely convey the change in trajectory due to an external force or impact. For instance: "The puck experienced a significant "deflection" after hitting the defenseman's stick."

Common error

Avoid using "deflection" when "reflection" is more appropriate. "Deflection" implies a change in direction due to an external force, while "reflection" refers to bouncing back from a surface. For example, a ball deflects off a player, but light reflects off a mirror.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "deflection" is as a noun, referring to the act of turning aside or deviating from a course. As confirmed by Ludwig, it describes the deviation of a needle or indicator or the action of deflecting something.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

30%

Encyclopedias

25%

Science

20%

Less common in

Formal & Business

15%

Wiki

5%

Academia

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The term "deflection" is a versatile noun with the core meaning of deviating from a course, whether literally or figuratively. As Ludwig confirms, it's grammatically sound and frequently used. Its usage spans across various fields like physics, sports, and even abstract concepts such as evading responsibilities. Common errors include confusing it with "reflection", so understanding the context is crucial. The semantic alternatives include "deviation", "avoidance", and "redirection", each carrying slight nuances. The high frequency in News & Media, Encyclopedias, and Science sources underlines its reliability and broad applicability.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

deviation

Implies a departure from an established course or standard, similar to "deflection" in its general sense of turning aside.

deviation from course

More explicitly describes a change in direction, emphasizing the departure from a planned path, which is a specific instance of "deflection".

change of direction

Focuses on the act of altering the path, a core aspect of what "deflection" represents.

turning aside

A more literal and physical interpretation of "deflection", emphasizing the action of moving away from a direct line.

avoidance

Shifts the focus to evading something, often used in contexts where "deflection" serves to avert a problem or question.

evasion

Similar to avoidance, but often implies a more deliberate attempt to escape or dodge something.

redirection

Highlights the act of guiding something or someone to a different path, resembling "deflection" when redirecting force or attention.

shift

Suggests a more subtle alteration in position or focus, capturing the less abrupt aspects of "deflection".

distortion

Focuses on how something can be twisted or altered from its original form, capturing the aspect of "deflection" that involves altering a path.

digression

Often used in a more abstract sense, referring to a departure from a main topic or argument, akin to how "deflection" can move a conversation away from a point.

FAQs

How is "deflection" used in physics?

In physics, "deflection" refers to the change in direction of a particle or wave due to an external force or field. This is often seen in experiments involving cathode rays or the behavior of light around massive objects, concepts related to "gravitational lensing".

What's the difference between "deflection" and "deviation"?

"Deflection" typically implies a more abrupt change in direction due to an impact or external force, while "deviation" suggests a gradual departure from a planned path or standard. You might speak of the "deflection" of a ball, or the "deviation" from a budget.

Can "deflection" be used in a non-physical context?

Yes, "deflection" can also refer to the act of avoiding a topic or responsibility, often as a means of "evading the issue". For example, "His answers were full of "deflection" and avoided the main point."

What are some synonyms for "deflection" in a sports context?

In sports, depending on the sport, you could use terms like "redirection", "change of course", or simply a "block" or "save", depending on how the "deflection" occurs and its effect on the play. For example: 'The goalie made a crucial "deflection" to prevent the goal' could also be phrased as 'The goalie blocked the shot'.