ASVAB · Synonym Recognition

DEVIATE most nearly means:

Correct answer

To turn aside or stray from a path

  1. A To stay the course
  2. B To turn aside or stray from a path
  3. C To speed up
  4. D To repeat

Why this is the answer

DEVIATE means to depart from an established course, standard, or norm; to turn aside or stray. Example: 'The pilot did not deviate from the assigned route.' The opposite would be to stay on course, offered as a distractor. The related noun is DEVIATION. The prefix DE- (away/from) plus the root 'via' (way/road) literally suggests moving away from the road. Recognizing the word parts — 'away from the way' — points directly to the meaning. DEVIATE is used for both physical paths and figurative departures from a plan or rule.
Source: ASVAB Word Knowledge — Synonyms

Practice more questions

This question is from our ASVAB Practice Tests practice test. Take the full practice test to test your knowledge across all Synonym Recognition and other topics.

Take the Word Knowledge practice test →

New to this exam? Our ASVAB exam guide explains the format, scoring, and how to prepare.

Related questions