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Deflect vs Diffract - What's the difference?

deflect | diffract |

In transitive terms the difference between deflect and diffract

is that deflect is to make (something) deviate from its original path while diffract is to cause diffraction.

In intransitive terms the difference between deflect and diffract

is that deflect is to deviate from its original path while diffract is to undergo diffraction.

deflect

English

Verb

(en verb)
  • To make (something) deviate from its original path.
  • To deviate from its original path.
  • (figuratively) To avoid addressing (questions, criticism, etc.).
  • The Prime Minister deflected some increasingly pointed questions by claiming he had an appointment.
  • (figuratively) To divert (attention, etc.).
  • * 2013 , Luke Harding and Uki Goni, Argentina urges UK to hand back Falklands and 'end colonialism'' (in ''The Guardian , 3 January 2013)[http://www.guardian.co.uk/uk/2013/jan/02/argentina-britain-hand-back-falklands]
  • Critics suggest that Fernández, an unashamed populist and nationalist, is seeking to deflect attention from social disharmony at home.

    diffract

    English

    Verb

  • To cause diffraction
  • To undergo diffraction