Digress Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations
๐
digress
[dษชหษกrษs ]
Definitions
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.
|
| deviate |
Appropriate when someone or something moves away from a standard, norm, or expected course. Often indicates deliberate or noticeable change.
|
| stray |
Implies moving away from a set path, place, or topic unintentionally or casually.
|
| veer |
Used when a person or thing changes direction suddenly or sharply, often in motion.
|
| diverge |
Used when paths, opinions, or ideas move apart from each other, indicating a significant difference or split.
|
| wander |
Indicates moving or traveling aimlessly without a fixed direction, usually leisurely or without purpose.
|
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?
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.
|
| 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.
|
| meander |
This word is suitable for describing a winding or indirect path, both literally and metaphorically. It often implies a leisurely or aimless journey.
|
| stray |
This word is appropriate for indicating someone or something moving away from the correct or intended direction, often slightly or accidentally.
|
| deviate |
This word is best used when describing a more intentional change from a planned course or established norm, often with a negative connotation.
|
| 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.
|
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.
Translations
To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.
Interesting Facts
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 personโs 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.
Origin of 'digress'
Main points about word origin
- The word comes from Latin 'digressus', which means 'to step aside'.
- It is made up of 'di-', meaning 'apart', and 'gressus', meaning 'to step'.
The word 'digress' originated from the Latin word 'digressus', which is the past participle of 'digredi', meaning 'to go aside'. The term has been used in English since the 16th century, evolving to its current meaning of temporarily leaving the main subject in speech or writing.