Digress: meaning, definitions and examples

Used when someone temporarily moves away from the main topic in speaking or writing.

• While discussing climate change, the speaker digressed to share a personal story.
• In her essay, she briefly digressed to mention an unrelated historical event.

Appropriate when someone or something moves away from a standard, norm, or expected course. Often indicates deliberate or noticeable change.

• The project deviated from the original plan due to unforeseen circumstances.
• His behavior deviated from societal norms, drawing attention from his peers.

Implies moving away from a set path, place, or topic unintentionally or casually.

• The dog strayed from its owner and got lost in the park.
• He occasionally strays from the topic when he's excited.

Used when a person or thing changes direction suddenly or sharply, often in motion.

• The car veered off the road to avoid an accident.
• Her thoughts veered towards memories of her childhood.

Used when paths, opinions, or ideas move apart from each other, indicating a significant difference or split.

• The two roads diverged in the forest, leading to different destinations.
• Their opinions on the matter began to diverge after the new evidence was presented.

Indicates moving or traveling aimlessly without a fixed direction, usually leisurely or without purpose.

• They like to wander through the city, discovering new places.
• His mind would often wander during long meetings.

Use this word when referring to someone temporarily departing from the main topic of conversation or writing, often to provide added information or a personal anecdote.

• During his lecture, the professor began to digress about his travels in Europe

Use this when talking about speaking or writing at length in a confusing or unfocused way. It can also refer to walking for pleasure without a specific route.

• He tends to ramble during meetings, which makes it hard to stay on topic
• We rambled through the woods for hours

This word is suitable for describing a winding or indirect path, both literally and metaphorically. It often implies a leisurely or aimless journey.

• The river meanders through the countryside
• She meandered through the park, taking in the scenery

This word is appropriate for indicating someone or something moving away from the correct or intended direction, often slightly or accidentally.

• Please don't stray from the path
• The conversation strayed from the main point

This word is best used when describing a more intentional change from a planned course or established norm, often with a negative connotation.

• The project significantly deviated from its original goals

Use this to describe a sudden change in direction, both in a physical sense and metaphorically. It often implies a quick or abrupt turn.

• The car suddenly veered off the road
• The conversation veered towards sensitive topics