Diversion Meaning
/daɪˈvɜː.ʃən/Definition, CEFR level C1, pronunciation, examples, and quiz.
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Definition
nounA tactic used to draw attention away from the real threat or action.
nounA hobby; an activity that distracts the mind.
Sentence Examples
Movies are a great diversion.
We need a diversion.
A diversion is in effect around roadworks in the city centre.
Synonyms & Antonyms
Synonyms:
Antonyms:
None
CEFR Practice Quiz
The police set up a ____ to reroute traffic away from the accident site.
CEFR Practice Quiz (Alternate)
Movies are a great ____.
Word Origin & History
From Middle English diversion, dyversioun, from Medieval Latin diversiō, from Latin divertō (“to divert”); see divert.
Literary Quotations & Historical Citations
"Of those therefore that have attained to the highest degree of honour and riches, some have affected mastery in some art; as Nero in music and poetry, Commodus in the art of a gladiator. And such as affect not some such thing, must find diversion and recreation of their thoughts in the contention either of play, or business."
— 1640, Thomas Hobbes, The Elements of Law:
"Further, in response to the trust defense raised at trial, the court did properly instruct the jury on partial diversion when it charged that the funds diverted to Moon's personal use became taxable "to the extent so diverted." Obviously, the word "divert" is in common enough use and understandable by ordinary jurors, so as to require no explanatory charge."
— 1983, U.S. v. Sun Myung Moon 718 F.2d 1210 (1983):
"Though his account of written communication over the past 5,000 years necessarily has a powerful forward momentum, his diversions down the fascinating byways of the subject are irresistible ..."
— 2013 September 14, Jane Shilling, “The Golden Thread: the Story of Writing, by Ewan Clayton, review [print edition: Illuminating language]”, in The Daily Telegraph (Review), page R29:
"An interesting feature in the weeks preceding the diversions was the provision of a road-learning train to familiarise main line drivers with the alternative route."
— 1960 February, R. C. Riley, “The London-Birmingham services - Past, Present and Future”, in Trains Illustrated, page 102:
Explore More C1 Vocabulary Words
CEFR Practice Quiz
The police set up a ____ to reroute traffic away from the accident site.
CEFR Practice Quiz (Alternate)
Movies are a great ____.