To ‘deviate’ means to do something that is not expected or not normally done. We often think of it as a pathway. Most people stay on the pathway, but some people deviate from the path. ‘Deviant’ has a much stronger meaning though. It is generally seen to be a negative thing. We use it when someone does something that is disapproved of and is inappropriate. It often refers to someone’s behavior. We can say that someone is a deviant or that their behaviour is deviant.

When you learn new vocab, make sure that you note collocations too. For this group of words some collocations are:
deviation from, deviant behaviour, deviate from
displace from, displaced persons
dramatic event, be dramatic, change dramatically, take a dramatic turn
exhibition of

Check the meanings of the words if you don’t already know them. Check the meanings of the various forms as sometimes they are different. You can check them at Time4english by clicking the words (http://www.time4english.com/aamain/lounge/awl.asp).

Vocabulary for IELTS – Academic Word List 89

Complete the sentences. Choose the correct word and then use the correct form of the word.

1. Tram conductors were ______________ from their jobs by ticket machines several years ago. (deviate, displace)
2. Events in parliament have taken a ______________ recently. (drama, eventual)
3. Left handers often _______________ advanced skills in the arts and sciences. (displace, exhibit)
4. The election took a long time to decide, but the new leader was _______________ announced. (eventual, dramatic)
5. She has been single-minded throughout her studies; never ______________ from her goals. (deviate, exhibit)

Answers (in the wrong order)

5. deviating 3. exhibit  2. dramatic 1. displaced     4. eventually