Deviant vs. Devious — What's the Difference?
By Maham Liaqat & Urooj Arif — Updated on March 31, 2024
Deviant refers to behaviors or actions that significantly diverge from societal norms, while devious describes actions or strategies that are cunning or deceitfully indirect.
Difference Between Deviant and Devious
Table of Contents
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Key Differences
Deviant behavior is primarily characterized by straying from accepted societal norms and expectations. It is often used in a sociological context to describe actions or conditions that are not in line with the majority's standards. Whereas, deviousness implies a level of cunning or slyness, focusing on the manner in which someone might achieve their ends through indirect or underhanded tactics.
While deviant actions can be openly against societal norms without any intent to conceal, devious actions are marked by their subtlety and the intention to deceive or manipulate. Deviant acts can be seen in a broad spectrum of behaviors, from harmless quirks to serious violations of law, emphasizing the deviation from norms rather than the method of action.
Devious behavior, on the other hand, involves a deliberate attempt to achieve a goal in a way that is not straightforward, often utilizing manipulation or deceit. This characteristic distinguishes it from deviant behavior, which may not necessarily involve deceit or a hidden agenda.
The term "deviant" is often used in a neutral or clinical sense within disciplines like psychology and sociology to analyze behavior without moral judgment. In contrast, "devious" typically carries a negative connotation, implying dishonesty or a lack of integrity in one’s actions.
Understanding the difference between these terms is crucial for accurately describing the nature of someone's actions or behavior. Deviant describes the what, focusing on the nature of the action in relation to societal norms, while devious describes the how, emphasizing the manner in which actions are carried out.
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Comparison Chart
Definition
Straying from accepted standards or norms
Cunning, sneaky, with intent to deceive
Connotation
Neutral or clinical, depending on context
Generally negative
Focus
The nature of the action in relation to norms
The manner or strategy of action
Intent
May or may not involve intentional breach of norms
Involves deliberate manipulation or deceit
Societal Reaction
Varied, can be acceptance, treatment, or punishment
Often met with distrust or disapproval
Compare with Definitions
Deviant
Outside the norms of society.
Deviant groups often form their own subcultures with distinct values.
Devious
Calculating, with ulterior motives.
His devious demeanor made everyone wary of his suggestions.
Deviant
Differing from the accepted standards.
His deviant behavior at work raised eyebrows among his colleagues.
Devious
Cunning, intending to deceive.
Her devious smile hid her true intentions.
Deviant
Not typical or usual.
The artist's deviant approach to traditional painting intrigued the gallery visitors.
Devious
Showing a skillful use of underhand tactics.
His devious plan to take over the company was eventually uncovered.
Deviant
Straying from societal norms.
Wearing extravagant costumes in a conservative community is considered deviant.
Devious
Deviating from a direct course.
The river took a devious route through the valley.
Deviant
Aberrant or unconventional.
The study focuses on the causes of deviant behavior in adolescence.
Devious
Not straightforward.
The devious path through the forest was both beautiful and slightly treacherous.
Deviant
A deviant person or thing
Killers, deviants, and those whose actions are beyond most human comprehension
Devious
Not straightforward; shifty
A devious character.
Deviant
Differing from a norm or from the accepted standards of a society.
Devious
Departing from the correct or accepted way; erring
Achieved success by devious means.
Deviant
One that differs from a norm, especially a person whose behavior and attitudes differ from accepted social standards.
Devious
Deviating from the straight or direct course; roundabout
A devious route.
Deviant
Characterized by deviation from an expectation or a social standard.
At the trial, the extent of his deviant behavior became clear.
Devious
Away from a main road or course; distant or removed.
Deviant
A person who deviates, especially from norms of social behavior.
He was branded as a deviant and ostracized.
Devious
Cunning or deceiving, not straightforward or honest, not frank.
Deviant
A thing, phenomenon, or trend that deviates from an expectation or pattern.
As the graph shows, the March sales trend is the deviant.
Devious
Roundabout, circuitous, deviating from the direct or ordinary route.
Deviant
(Internet) A member of the online art community DeviantArt.
Devious
Out of a straight line; winding; varying from directness; as, a devious path or way.
Deviant
Deviating.
Devious
Going out of the right or common course; going astray; erring; wandering; as, a devious step.
Deviant
Having behavior or characteristics differing from that which is normal or expected, especially in an undesirable or socially disapproved manner; as, deviant behavior.
Devious
Indirect in departing from the accepted or proper way; misleading;
Used devious means to achieve success
Gave oblique answers to direct questions
Oblique political maneuvers
Deviant
Markedly different from an accepted norm;
Aberrent behavior
Deviant ideas
Devious
Characterized by insincerity or deceit; evasive;
A devious character
Shifty eyes
Devious
Deviating from a straight course;
A scenic but devious route
A long and circuitous journey by train and boat
A roundabout route avoided rush-hour traffic
Common Curiosities
Can deviousness be a positive trait?
While typically seen as negative, in some contexts, such as strategic games or competitive environments, deviousness might be viewed as clever or skillful.
Are deviants always aware of their deviation from norms?
Not necessarily; individuals may be unaware that their behavior or beliefs are considered deviant in a particular societal or cultural context.
Can a behavior be both deviant and devious?
Yes, an action can be both deviant if it significantly diverges from societal norms and devious if it involves cunning or deceit.
Is deviant behavior always negative?
No, deviant behavior can be negative, positive, or neutral, depending on the societal context and perspective.
How do societies respond to deviant behavior?
Societal responses to deviant behavior can range from acceptance and accommodation to correctional treatment or punishment.
Why is devious behavior frowned upon?
Devious behavior is generally frowned upon because it involves deceit, manipulation, and a lack of straightforwardness.
Can devious behavior be a survival tactic?
In certain contexts, such as in nature or in highly competitive environments, devious behavior can be seen as a survival tactic.
Can devious strategies be legal?
Yes, devious strategies can be legal but are often ethically questionable or morally frowned upon.
Are there positive outcomes to deviant behavior?
Yes, deviant behavior can lead to social change by challenging outdated norms and encouraging new ways of thinking.
How do individuals justify devious behavior?
Individuals might justify devious behavior as necessary to achieve certain goals, especially in competitive or adversarial situations.
Do societal norms influence what is considered deviant?
Yes, societal norms play a crucial role in defining what behaviors or actions are considered deviant, as these norms vary across cultures and time.
How do companies handle devious behavior within their ranks?
Companies typically handle devious behavior with internal investigations, disciplinary actions, or training to promote ethical conduct.
Can societal norms evolve to accept previously deviant behavior?
Societal norms can and do evolve, potentially leading to the acceptance of behaviors that were once considered deviant.
Is being deviant the same as being criminal?
Not all deviant behaviors are criminal; some may simply involve nonconformity to social norms without breaking laws.
Is it possible to reform devious behavior?
Yes, with awareness and intervention, individuals displaying devious behavior can learn to adopt more straightforward and honest methods of interaction.
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Written by
Maham Liaqat
Co-written by
Urooj ArifUrooj is a skilled content writer at Ask Difference, known for her exceptional ability to simplify complex topics into engaging and informative content. With a passion for research and a flair for clear, concise writing, she consistently delivers articles that resonate with our diverse audience.
