When it comes to communication, choosing the right words can make all the difference. Two words that are often used interchangeably are “divert” and “deflect.” However, they actually have different meanings and implications. In this article, we will explore the differences between these two words and provide examples of when to use each one.
It’s important to note that both “divert” and “deflect” involve redirecting something. However, “divert” implies a deliberate redirection, often for a specific purpose or goal. On the other hand, “deflect” implies a more passive redirection, often as a means of avoiding something unwanted or harmful.
For example, imagine a company that wants to redirect some of its resources towards a new project. In this case, they would use the word “divert” because they are intentionally redirecting their resources for a specific purpose. On the other hand, if someone is trying to engage you in an argument and you change the subject, you are “deflecting” the conversation because you are trying to avoid the argument rather than redirecting it for a specific purpose.
Throughout the rest of this article, we will explore these differences in more detail and provide examples of when to use each word in different contexts.
Define Divert
Divert is a verb that means to change the direction or course of something. It can be used in a variety of contexts, such as diverting a river, diverting attention, or diverting resources. Essentially, it involves redirecting something from its original path or purpose.
Define Deflect
Deflect is also a verb that means to change the direction of something, but it involves bouncing or turning something aside rather than redirecting it completely. For example, a shield can deflect a sword, or a conversation can be deflected away from a sensitive topic. Deflection typically involves a slight change in direction rather than a complete redirection.
How To Properly Use The Words In A Sentence
Using the right word in a sentence can make all the difference in the meaning you intend to convey. When it comes to the words “divert” and “deflect,” they are often used interchangeably, but they have different meanings. Here’s how to use them correctly:
How To Use “Divert” In A Sentence
The word “divert” means to redirect something or someone from one course to another. It can also mean to entertain or amuse someone. Here are some examples of how to use “divert” in a sentence:
- He tried to divert the conversation away from his mistake.
- The construction work diverted traffic from the main road.
- The magician used his tricks to divert the audience’s attention.
As you can see, “divert” is used to describe a change in direction or focus. It can be used in a literal or figurative sense.
How To Use “Deflect” In A Sentence
The word “deflect” means to cause something to change direction or to cause something to deviate from its original path. Here are some examples of how to use “deflect” in a sentence:
- The goalie deflected the ball away from the goal.
- She deflected the criticism by changing the subject.
- The shield deflected the incoming arrows.
As you can see, “deflect” is used to describe a change in direction or path caused by an external force. It is often used in a physical sense, but it can also be used in a figurative sense.
More Examples Of Divert & Deflect Used In Sentences
In order to better understand the nuances of the words divert and deflect, it can be helpful to see them used in various contexts. Here are some examples of how these words can be used in sentences:
Examples Of Using Divert In A Sentence
- The construction on the main road will divert traffic to side streets.
- The politician tried to divert attention away from the scandal.
- The comedian used humor to divert the audience’s attention from his mistake.
- The company decided to divert funds from marketing to research and development.
- The teacher had to divert the student’s attention back to the lesson.
- The diversion of the river caused flooding downstream.
- The emergency responders had to divert their attention to the new crisis.
- The charity aimed to divert resources to areas of greatest need.
- The magician used misdirection to divert the audience’s attention from the trick.
- The company had to divert shipments to a different port due to a labor strike.
Examples Of Using Deflect In A Sentence
- The goalie deflected the ball away from the goal.
- The politician tried to deflect blame for the scandal onto others.
- The umbrella deflected the raindrops away from her face.
- The shield deflected the sword strike.
- The scientist deflected criticism of her research methodology.
- The company deflected questions about their financial performance.
- The car’s bumper deflected the impact of the collision.
- The athlete deflected the opponent’s attack and scored a point.
- The spokesperson deflected the reporter’s question and changed the subject.
- The material of the building was designed to deflect sound and reduce noise pollution.
Common Mistakes To Avoid
When it comes to communication, using the right words is essential to convey a clear message. The words “divert” and “deflect” are often used interchangeably, but they have different meanings. Here are some common mistakes people make when using these words and tips on how to avoid them:
Mistake 1: Using “Divert” Instead Of “Deflect”
Divert means to change the course or direction of something. Deflect means to cause something to change direction by hitting it at an angle. Using “divert” instead of “deflect” can lead to confusion and misinterpretation of the message.
For example, saying “The company diverted the blame onto the employees” implies that the company intentionally shifted the blame onto the employees, while saying “The company deflected the blame onto the employees” implies that the blame was shifted onto the employees unintentionally.
Mistake 2: Using “Deflect” Instead Of “Divert”
Deflect means to cause something to change direction by hitting it at an angle. Divert means to change the course or direction of something. Using “deflect” instead of “divert” can also lead to confusion and misinterpretation of the message.
For example, saying “The company diverted the ball” implies that the company intentionally changed the course of the ball, while saying “The company deflected the ball” implies that the ball was hit at an angle and changed direction unintentionally.
Tips To Avoid Mistakes
- Be clear on the meaning of each word before using them in communication.
- Double-check the usage of these words in written communication before sending them out.
- Ask for clarification if unsure of the meaning of these words in a conversation.
Context Matters
Choosing between the words “divert” and “deflect” can depend on the context in which they are used. Both words are often used interchangeably, but they have different connotations and implications that can affect the meaning of a sentence or statement.
Examples Of Different Contexts
Let’s take a look at some different contexts and how the choice between “divert” and “deflect” might change:
1. Conversation
In a conversation, “divert” might be used to describe changing the subject to avoid an uncomfortable topic. For example:
- “Let’s divert the conversation to something more positive.”
On the other hand, “deflect” might be used to describe redirecting a question or criticism. For example:
- “He deflected the question by bringing up a different issue.”
2. Military Strategy
In military strategy, “divert” might be used to describe drawing attention or resources away from a main target. For example:
- “We need to divert their forces to the east.”
Meanwhile, “deflect” might be used to describe bouncing off an attack or missile. For example:
- “The armor on the tank deflected the missile.”
3. Marketing
In marketing, “divert” might be used to describe redirecting customers to a different product or service. For example:
- “We need to divert customers to our new line of products.”
Whereas “deflect” might be used to describe avoiding criticism or blame. For example:
- “The company deflected criticism by blaming the supplier.”
As you can see, the choice between “divert” and “deflect” can have different implications depending on the context. It’s important to choose the right word to accurately convey the intended meaning.
Exceptions To The Rules
While the rules for using divert and deflect are generally straightforward, there are some exceptions where they may not apply. It is important to understand these exceptions to avoid confusion and ensure clear communication.
Exceptions For Divert
Divert is typically used to mean “to change the course or direction of something.” However, there are some cases where this definition may not apply:
- Divert in the context of diverticulitis: In medicine, diverticulitis refers to inflammation or infection of small pouches that form in the walls of the colon. In this context, divert is used to mean “to create a diverticulum,” or a small pouch or sac.
- Divert in the context of divertimento: In music, divertimento is a genre of light classical music that is intended to be entertaining and diverting. In this context, divert is used to mean “to amuse or entertain.”
Exceptions For Deflect
Deflect is typically used to mean “to cause something to change direction by hitting it at an angle.” However, there are some cases where this definition may not apply:
- Deflect in the context of electronics: In electronics, deflect is often used to mean “to move an electron beam or other signal in a particular direction.” This usage is related to the original definition of deflect, but is more specific to the field of electronics.
- Deflect in the context of martial arts: In martial arts, deflect is often used to mean “to redirect an opponent’s attack.” This usage is related to the original definition of deflect, but is more specific to the context of combat.
By understanding these exceptions, you can use divert and deflect more effectively and avoid confusion in your communication.
Practice Exercises
Now that we have a better understanding of the difference between divert and deflect, it’s time to put our knowledge into practice. Below are some exercises to help you improve your understanding and use of these two words in sentences. Make sure to read each sentence carefully and choose the correct word to fill in the blank.
Exercise 1
The company’s CEO tried to _____ attention away from the recent scandal by announcing a new product launch.
- A. divert
- B. deflect
Answer: A. divert
Explanation: In this sentence, the CEO is trying to shift attention away from the scandal by announcing a new product launch. This is an example of diverting attention.
Exercise 2
The politician tried to _____ criticism of her voting record by attacking her opponent’s personal life.
- A. divert
- B. deflect
Answer: B. deflect
Explanation: In this sentence, the politician is trying to avoid criticism of her voting record by attacking her opponent’s personal life. This is an example of deflecting criticism.
Exercise 3
The goalkeeper was able to _____ the ball away from the goal with a powerful save.
- A. divert
- B. deflect
Answer: B. deflect
Explanation: In this sentence, the goalkeeper is able to stop the ball from going into the goal by deflecting it away. This is an example of deflecting the ball.
Exercise 4
The teacher tried to _____ the student’s question by changing the subject.
- A. divert
- B. deflect
Answer: B. deflect
Explanation: In this sentence, the teacher is trying to avoid answering the student’s question by changing the subject. This is an example of deflecting the question.
Exercise 5
The police officer was able to _____ traffic away from the accident scene to prevent further accidents.
- A. divert
- B. deflect
Answer: A. divert
Explanation: In this sentence, the police officer is trying to redirect traffic away from the accident scene to prevent further accidents. This is an example of diverting traffic.
By practicing with these exercises, you can improve your understanding and use of divert and deflect in sentences. Remember to pay attention to the context of the sentence to determine which word is the most appropriate to use.
Conclusion
After delving into the intricacies of the English language, it is clear that the words “divert” and “deflect” are often used interchangeably. However, upon closer examination, it is evident that they have distinct meanings and should be used appropriately.
When it comes to diverting, it is all about changing the direction or course of something. On the other hand, deflecting involves causing something to change direction by bouncing off a surface.
It is crucial to understand the differences between these two words to avoid confusion and ensure effective communication.
In conclusion, a solid grasp of grammar and language use is essential in today’s world. By continuing to learn and expand our knowledge, we can communicate more effectively and avoid common mistakes.
Shawn Manaher is the founder and CEO of The Content Authority. He’s one part content manager, one part writing ninja organizer, and two parts leader of top content creators. You don’t even want to know what he calls pancakes.