desviar
/dez.viˈa(ʁ)/
The English phrase deflect is translated into Portuguese as desviar.
desviar is used to describe the act of avoiding addressing questions, criticism etc. It is also used when referring to the deflection of a physical object.
Meaning: to avoid addressing questions, criticism etc. (verb)
What does it mean word for word?
The prefix des- in desviar indicates a movement away from a path or direction.
Which one should you use?
While desviar can be used to mean deflecting a physical object, it is also the standard verb used for diverting attention or avoiding a topic of conversation.
How does it change in a sentence?
The third-person singular past tense of desviar is desviou, and the gerund form (deflecting) is desviando.
How do you pronounce it?
/dez.viˈa(ʁ)/. The word has 3 syllables, with the stress on the 3rd syllable.
Did you know?
- In a legal or financial context, desvio (the noun form of desviar) is the common word for 'embezzlement' or the misappropriation of funds.
- The word desviar is often paired with o olhar, which means to 'avert one's gaze' to show shame or guilt.
- The English word 'deviate' and the Portuguese desviar share the same Latin ancestor, 'via', meaning 'way' or 'road'.
Examples in context
- "Nós estamos a dizer que o nosso objetivo é desviar um asteroide, ou seja, mover um asteroide, mudar a sua órbita, o mais tardar até 2015", diz ele."We're saying our goal is to deflect an asteroid, that is, to move an asteroid, to change its orbit, by 2015," he says.This sentence is useful for seeing how to use desviar when talking about the movement of an asteroid.Tatoeba #10970937 by Cangarejo, translation #10970935 by Cangarejo
- O jogador de futebol habilmente desviou a bola do gol.The soccer player skillfully deflected the ball from the goal.
- Ele tenta desviar-se das suas obrigações o tempo todo.He constantly tries to deflect his responsibilities.
- O político habilmente desviou a pergunta, evitando uma resposta direta.The politician skillfully deflected the question, avoiding a direct answer.
- Ele procurou esquivar-se do assunto delicado durante a entrevista.He sought to deflect from the delicate subject during the interview.
- Ele tentou desviar o assunto durante a reunião.He tried to deflect the subject during the meeting.
- Não tente desviar a atenção das suas falhas.Don't try to deflect attention from your flaws.
Example conversation
Beatriz and Lucas are discussing a political interview on TV.
- BeatrizO político tentou desviar as perguntas difíceis.The politician tried to deflect the difficult questions.
- LucasSim, ele não quis dar respostas claras.Yes, he didn't want to give clear answers.
- BeatrizÉ uma estratégia comum para evitar críticas.It is a common strategy to avoid criticism.
- LucasMas o público percebeu a manobra.But the public noticed the maneuver.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry desviar, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries desviar, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
