Digress: meaning, definitions and examples

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digress

[dɪˈɡrɛs ]

Definitions

^{Context #1 | Verb}

in conversation

Leave the main subject temporarily in speech or writing.

Synonyms

deviate, diverge, stray, veer, wander.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
digress	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.
deviate	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.
stray	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.
veer	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.
diverge	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.
wander	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.

Examples of usage

She digressed from her prepared remarks to respond to questions from the audience.
I don't mean to digress, but have you heard the latest news?

^{Context #2 | Verb}

in writing

To depart from the main theme or subject in writing or speaking.

Synonyms

deviate, meander, ramble, stray, veer.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
digress	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
ramble	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
meander	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
stray	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
deviate	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
veer	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

Examples of usage

The author tends to digress frequently in his novels, providing interesting side stories.
Let's try not to digress too much from the main argument in our essay.

Interesting Facts

Etymology

The word comes from Latin 'digressus', which means 'to step aside'.
It is made up of 'di-', meaning 'apart', and 'gressus', meaning 'to step'.

Literature

Writers often use digression for comic relief or to provide background information.
Famous authors like James Joyce and Virginia Woolf have included digressive narratives in their works to reflect characters' thoughts.

Psychology

Digressing can be a sign of a wandering mind, where a person’s thoughts drift to unrelated topics.
Cognitive studies suggest that mind-wandering might enhance creativity, even if it means straying from the main point.

Communication

In conversations, digression can sometimes lead to interesting discoveries or new ideas.
However, digressing too much during discussions can confuse listeners or derail the main topic.

Examples in Media

In the TV show 'The Office', characters frequently digress, adding humor and depth to their interactions.
Comedy routines often feature intentional digressions to entertain and engage the audience with unexpected turns.

Translations

Translations of the word "digress" in other languages:

🇵🇹 divagar

🇮🇳 विचलित होना

🇩🇪 abschweifen

🇮🇩 menyimpang

🇺🇦 відхилятися

🇵🇱 odbiegać

🇯🇵 脱線する (だっせんする)

🇫🇷 divaguer

🇪🇸 divagar

🇹🇷 dalmak

🇰🇷 벗어나다

🇸🇦 يبتعد

🇨🇿 odbíhat

🇸🇰 odbiehať

🇨🇳 偏离 (piānlí)

🇸🇮 odvračati se

🇮🇸 víkja

🇰🇿 ауытқу

🇬🇪 გადახვევა

🇦🇿 yayınmaq

🇲🇽 divagar

Word Frequency Rank

At rank #26,595, this word represents specialized academic or technical vocabulary. It's less frequently encountered but may be valuable in specific contexts.

...
26592 ushering
26593 vacillation
26594 faking
26595 digress
26596 corduroy
26597 amethyst
26598 humdrum
...