undeviating
|un-de-vi-a-ting|
🇺🇸
/ˌʌn.dɪˈviː.eɪ.tɪŋ/
🇬🇧
/ˌʌn.dɪˈvɪə.tɪŋ/
not turning aside
Etymology
'undeviating' originates from the English prefix 'un-' (from Old English/Proto-Germanic 'un-' meaning 'not') combined with 'deviating', where 'deviate' ultimately comes from Latin 'dēviāre' meaning 'to turn aside' (from 'dē-' 'away' + 'via' 'way').
'deviate' entered English via Latin 'dēviāre' and Late Latin/French forms (e.g. Old French 'devier'/'dévier'); the modern adjective 'undeviating' is formed in English by adding the negating prefix 'un-' to the present participle/adjective 'deviating'.
Originally the Latin root meant 'to turn aside' (physically leave the way); over time English formed 'undeviating' to mean 'not turning aside' and thus 'straight, steady, or unerring' in both literal and figurative senses.
Meanings by Part of Speech
Adjective 1
not turning aside from a course or direction; continuing straight or direct (literal, physical sense).
The ship held an undeviating course toward the island despite the fog.
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Adjective 2
not departing from a principle, purpose, or standard; steady and unwavering (figurative, moral or behavioral sense).
Her undeviating commitment to the project inspired the entire team.
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Last updated: 2025/12/08 07:32