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Deviance Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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deviance

[ˈdiːvɪəns ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Noun

social behavior

Deviance refers to any behavior that departs from societal norms and expectations. It can manifest in various forms, such as criminal activity, substance abuse, or unconventional lifestyle choices.

Synonyms

aberrant behavior, anomie, nonconformity.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
deviance

Used in sociology or criminology to describe behavior that goes against societal norms and expectations, often implying a negative or undesirable act.

  • The rise in urban deviance has become a major concern for city officials.
  • Deviance in the workplace can disrupt team dynamics and overall productivity.
aberrant behavior

Applied in psychology or everyday language to describe actions that are unusual and different from what is typically expected or considered normal.

  • His aberrant behavior at the party raised several eyebrows.
  • Parents were concerned about their child's aberrant behavior in school.
nonconformity

Refers to behavior that deliberately goes against established norms and standards, often implying a positive sense of individuality or innovation.

  • Her nonconformity in fashion made her a trendsetter among her peers.
  • Nonconformity in the tech industry often leads to groundbreaking innovations.
anomie

A sociological term used to describe a condition where norms and values are unclear, leading to a state of normlessness and social instability.

  • The rapid modernization of the society led to an increased sense of anomie among its citizens.
  • Durkheim's theory of anomie explains the breakdown of social bonds in times of crisis.

Examples of usage

  • His deviance from the group's norms led to his expulsion.
  • The company has strict policies to discourage deviance in the workplace.
Context #2 | Noun

psychology

In psychology, deviance is often viewed in terms of abnormal or maladaptive behavior. It may indicate a departure from mental health or the presence of psychological disorders.

Synonyms

aberration, anomaly, eccentricity.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
deviance

Used in social sciences and psychology to describe behaviors that reject or do not conform to societal norms and expectations. It often has a negative connotation.

  • His deviance from accepted social practices made him an outcast in his community
  • The study focused on criminal deviance
aberration

Generally indicates a departure from what is normal or expected. It's often used in scientific contexts or to describe an unusual situation or behavior.

  • The sudden drop in temperature was an aberration for this time of year
  • His poor performance was an aberration, considering his consistent high scores
eccentricity

Refers to unusual or quirky behavior that is often seen in individuals. It can have a neutral or mildly positive connotation, implying uniqueness.

  • His eccentricity made him a favorite among his friends but baffled strangers
  • The professor's eccentricity was evident in his colorful bow ties and peculiar habits
anomaly

Describes something that deviates from what is standard, normal, or expected, often used in scientific or technical contexts.

  • The data showed an anomaly that couldn't be explained by the usual variables
  • Seeing a pink dolphin is an anomaly and a rare treat

Examples of usage

  • The psychologist assessed the level of deviance in the patient's behavior.
  • Deviance from typical patterns of thinking can be a sign of cognitive dysfunction.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Origin of 'deviance'

The term 'deviance' originated from the Latin word 'deviare', which means 'to turn aside'. It was first used in the context of social norms and behaviors in the 19th century. Sociologists and psychologists have since studied deviance extensively to understand its causes and implications in society.

Word Frequency Rank

With rank #18,584, this word belongs to specialized vocabulary. While not common in everyday speech, it enriches your ability to express complex ideas.