Diverted Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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diverted

[dɪˈvɜːtɪd ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Adjective

emotion

Having been turned aside, redirected, or distracted.

Synonyms

distracted, redirected, sidetracked.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
diverted

Usually used when something is purposefully moved from its original course or attention is intentionally changed. Often used in formal or neutral situations.

  • The plane was diverted to another airport due to bad weather.
  • Funds were diverted from education to healthcare.
distracted

Used when someone's attention is unintentionally taken away, often implying a momentary lapse of focus. Common in both formal and informal contexts.

  • He was distracted by the noise outside.
  • She finds it hard to focus because she gets easily distracted.
sidetracked

Describes being taken off the main topic or course, often used informally and can imply a negative connotation of losing focus or wasting time.

  • We got sidetracked talking about old times and forgot about the meeting.
  • He gets easily sidetracked when he's working on a project.
redirected

Implies changing direction or purpose, often deliberately and methodically. Suitable for formal or technical contexts.

  • The call was redirected to the customer service department.
  • Traffic is being redirected due to road construction.

Examples of usage

  • The diverted child quickly lost interest in the game.
  • She felt diverted from her original purpose by the unexpected turn of events.
Context #2 | Verb

traffic

Changed the direction of something, especially a road, route, or stream.

Synonyms

rechannel, redirect, reroute.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
diverted

Use when something is turned away from its original path, often temporary and for a specific reason.

  • The flight was diverted due to bad weather
  • Police diverted traffic to avoid the accident site
reroute

Use when the path, typically in terms of travel or transport, is changed to a different route.

  • Due to the road closure, buses have been rerouted
  • The navigator rerouted us to avoid traffic congestion
redirect

Use when changing the direction or focus of something, more general and can apply to various situations from physical movement to abstract ideas.

  • Please redirect all inquiries to our main office
  • The teacher redirected the students' attention to the board
rechannel

Use when there's a need to change the course of something, often resources or efforts, usually in a formal or organized manner.

  • The company decided to rechannel its funds to support the new project
  • Efforts were rechanneled towards rebuilding the community center

Examples of usage

  • The construction work diverted traffic to a different route.
  • They diverted the river to prevent flooding in the area.

Translations

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

Interesting Facts

Psychology

  • Diverting attention is a common strategy used in psychology to help people cope with stress or anxiety.
  • Research shows that redirecting focus can enhance creativity by allowing the mind to explore alternative solutions.
  • It's often used in therapies to encourage mindfulness, helping individuals stay in the present rather than ruminating on past events.

Literature

  • In novels, characters often get diverted from their goals, highlighting themes of fate and choice.
  • Many poems use diversion as a metaphor for life's unpredictable journeys.
  • Classic stories like 'Alice's Adventures in Wonderland' showcase how diversion can lead to unexpected adventures.

Transportation

  • In traffic management, 'diverted' refers to vehicles being redirected due to construction or accidents.
  • Airlines often divert flights to ensure passenger safety when weather conditions are poor.
  • Public transportation routes may get diverted to accommodate events, such as parades or marathons.

Entertainment

  • In video games, characters may become diverted from their missions by side quests, adding layers to gameplay.
  • Television shows sometimes depict plot twists where characters are diverted from their objectives, creating suspense.
  • Comedians often use diversion in their routines by leading the audience away from the punchline before revealing it with a twist.

Origin of 'diverted'

Main points about word origin

  • The word comes from the Latin 'divertere', meaning 'to turn aside'.
  • Middle English borrowed 'diverted' from the Old French 'diverter', which also meant 'to turn away'.
  • The use of 'diverted' in English started around the 14th century, primarily in relation to routes or paths.

The word 'diverted' originated from the Latin word 'divertare', which means 'to turn aside'. The term has been used in English since the late 15th century, initially with the sense of 'to turn aside or away'. Over time, it has evolved to encompass various meanings related to redirection, distraction, and changing course.


See also: diversion, divert.

Word Frequency Rank

Position #8,548 indicates this is an advanced-level word. While not essential for basic communication, it will enhance your ability to understand and create more nuanced content.