diverted
- 01 B2 Upper Intermediate
v.to be sent on a different route because the main one is closed.
v.to be redirected from a standard or intended course to an alternative one. Often used in the passive voice regarding traffic or resources.
Simple“Our flight was diverted to a different airport because of the heavy fog.”
In context“The authorities diverted all northbound traffic onto secondary roads following a significant structural failure on the main bridge.”
UsageCommonly used in the passive voice ('was diverted').
Synonyms - 02 B2 Upper Intermediate
v.to have your attention taken away from what you were doing.
v.to have one's attention or thoughts drawn away from a primary focus.
Simple“She was easily diverted from her homework by the sound of the parade outside.”
In context“The investigator refused to be diverted from the primary evidence by the witness's emotional but irrelevant testimony.”
SynonymsdistractedsidetrackedAntonyms - 03 C1 Advanced
adj.feeling entertained or amused by something.
adj.experiencing amusement or entertainment. This sense is increasingly formal or literary in modern usage.
Simple“The guests seemed diverted by the magician's clever card tricks.”
In context“The queen appeared momentarily diverted by the courtier's wit, though her stern expression soon returned.”
Teacher's tipIn modern English, 'amused' is much more common; 'diverted' in this sense sounds quite old-fashioned or very formal.
SynonymsAntonyms
“Another 600 flights were diverted during the same period.”
“Photograph: Alicia Canter/The Guardian Residents suspect their water has been diverted to new developments in their neighbourhood.”