deviant

USAGE SUMMARY

The word 'deviant' is correct and usable in written English.
It is used to describe someone or something that deviates from accepted social norms or standards. For example, "The deviant behavior of the group of teenagers caused a disruption in the neighborhood."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Lauten's comments are part of a tradition of youth being caricatured as deviant.

The Guardian - Opinion

"The struggle with nazism and fascism meant, especially among the clergy and church leaders, that nationalism had been seen as deviant and selfish and arousing darker, dangerous passions," he said.

The Guardian

Trolls worked in rooms of about 20 people, each controlled by three editors, who would check posts and impose fines if they found the words had been cut and pasted, or were ideologically deviant.

The Guardian

Police hound Shias, Ahmadis and other "deviant" Muslim sects.

The Economist

As elsewhere, a debate rumbles on in Japan about whether such pornography excites deviant behaviour or diverts it.

The Economist

In the previous intifada in the late 1980s and early 1990s any deviant actions by Israeli troops generally led to the soldiers being called to account.

The Economist

The question is: what explains this deviant experience?

The Economist

His mother was a monster, the black dog follows him wherever he goes and he sees a shrink.It is hardly original for artists to try to blur the boundaries between the normal and the deviant.

The Economist

That done, they plotted a series of curves, one for each decade, that showed how frequently each deviant value occurred.Since small deviations are common and large ones are rare, the result of plotting data in this way is a curve shaped somewhat like the cross-section of a bell.

The Economist

Paedophiles who experience frequent, intrusive thoughts about sex with children can benefit from drugs that suppress their sex hormones and with luck their deviant fantasies too.There have been calls to make such drug treatment compulsory, but that would be a huge mistake, explains Ray Wyre, a consultant and expert witness on sex crime.

The Economist

In Malaysia, Prime Minister Najib Razak had branded "humanism and secularism as well as liberalism" as deviant.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "deviant", consider the specific context and connotations to ensure it accurately reflects the intended meaning. Be mindful of its potential to stigmatize.

Common error

Avoid using "deviant" as a catch-all term for any behavior you disagree with. It should be reserved for actions that significantly violate established social norms and can have serious consequences.

Linguistic Context

The word "deviant" primarily functions as an adjective, modifying nouns to describe something that deviates from accepted norms or standards. As Ludwig AI confirms, it appropriately characterizes behaviors, values, or trends that stray from what is considered normal or typical.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

45%

Science

25%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

8%

Wiki

6%

Academia

6%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The word "deviant" is a versatile adjective used to describe something that strays from accepted norms or standards. Ludwig AI indicates that its use is appropriate in various contexts, particularly in news, science, and formal settings. While the term is generally correct, it's essential to be mindful of its connotations and potential for stigmatization. Alternatives such as "abnormal", "atypical", and "unconventional" can offer more nuanced descriptions depending on the context. Its usage frequency suggests it's very common and its primary function is to label and categorize things diverging from established patterns. Authoritative sources like The Economist and The Guardian frequently employ "deviant" in their reporting.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

abnormal

Focuses on a departure from what is typical or expected.

atypical

Emphasizes the lack of conformity to a standard type.

anomalous

Highlights inconsistency or irregularity.

irregular

Stresses a lack of uniformity or symmetry.

unconventional

Indicates a departure from established customs or norms.

nonconformist

Specifically refers to someone who does not adhere to societal expectations.

idiosyncratic

Focuses on peculiar or unique characteristics.

eccentric

Suggests behavior that is odd or whimsical.

aberrant

Implies a deviation from the normal or correct path.

unorthodox

Highlights a departure from traditional or accepted beliefs and practices.

FAQs

How is "deviant" typically used in a sentence?

"Deviant" is used to describe something that strays from the norm or accepted standards, such as "deviant behavior" or "deviant practices".

What are some alternatives to using "deviant"?

Depending on the context, you could use alternatives like "abnormal", "atypical", or "unconventional".

When is it appropriate to use the term "deviant"?

Use "deviant" when referring to actions or behaviors that significantly violate social norms and expectations. Be cautious of overusing it, as it can be judgmental.

What's the difference between "deviant" and "unusual"?

"Unusual" simply means uncommon or rare, while "deviant" implies a departure from accepted social or ethical standards. Deviant behavior is often considered unacceptable or even harmful.