meaning of deviate

[Attilah]

Synonyms Lesson, Advanced Level

ESL/EFL Test #105 "Synonyms for exchange", question 10

If the wind doesn't ......... to the west, it will be impossible for the cyclists to make it to the finish.

(a) change
(b) deviate
(c) shift
(d) move

Synonyms Lesson, Advanced Level

ESL/EFL Test #105 "Synonyms for exchange", answer 10

If the wind doesn't shift to the west, it will be impossible for the cyclists to make it to the finish.

Correct answer: (c) shift

Your answer was: incorrect
If the wind doesn't deviate to the west, it will be impossible for the cyclists to make it to the finish.
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Deviate suggests change in direction. I think it will be more appropriate here...

Attilah

[prezbucky]

"Deviate" is mostly used to show a change from the norm or some other established pattern.

- It's time to deviate from our present path.

- His score fell under the bell curve -- within one standard deviation of the mean.

The related adjective, "deviant", offers further clues into the use of the verb "to deviate":

Processes of Deviant Behavior is a class which studies abnormal psychology -- psychological processes and behaviors which deviate from the norm.

When something deviates, it always deviates from something -- from some established pattern or norm.

No wind pattern had been established in the above sentence.
...

Even so, when winds change, it is common to say that they shift.

I just figured I'd try to explain the use of "deviate/deviant".
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