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Digressed Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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digressed

[daษชหˆษกrษ›st ]

Definition

Context #1 | Verb

moving away

To digress means to stray from the main topic or subject in speech or writing. It often occurs when a speaker or writer starts discussing something that is not directly related to the original point. Although digressing can be seen as a distraction, it can also provide interesting anecdotes or insights related to the broader subject matter. It is important in communication to recognize when a digression occurs, as it can affect the clarity of the message being conveyed.

Synonyms

diverge, stray, wander.

Examples of usage

  • During the lecture, she digressed into personal stories.
  • He often digressed from his main argument in essays.
  • The meeting was supposed to be about project updates, but we digressed onto unrelated topics.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Interesting Facts

Literature

  • Many authors, including Virginia Woolf, often used digression to explore deeper themes and character thoughts.
  • In storytelling, digressions can enrich narratives, offering background or context, and sometimes provide comic relief.
  • Digression is frequently seen in humorous writing, where the author strays from the point to create laughs.

Psychology

  • Digression can reflect cognitive processes, showcasing creative thinking as one's mind wanders to related thoughts.
  • Research suggests that when people digress, they often do so to engage their audience or clarify their ideas.
  • This phenomenon is linked to the concept of associative thinking, where connections between different ideas are formed.

Communication

  • In conversation, digression can demonstrate a speaker's enthusiasm for a topic, even if it's not the original subject.
  • Good communicators know when to acknowledge digressions to bring the discussion back on track effectively.
  • Listeners often appreciate digressions if they are relevant and engaging, as they can add depth to the discussion.

Technology

  • In the age of social media, conversations often digress due to the diverse topics being discussed simultaneously.
  • Digression can impact content creation, where creators may veer off-topic to address trending discussions or personal anecdotes.
  • Some algorithms in online platforms note digressive content as a way to boost engagement or reach larger audiences.

Origin of 'digressed'

Main points about word origin

  • The word 'digress' comes from the Latin 'digressus,' meaning 'to step aside.'
  • It is formed by the prefix 'di-' (meaning 'apart') and '-gress,' which is related to 'walking' or 'stepping.'
  • In English, 'digress' was first used in the early 15th century.

The word 'digress' originates from the Latin word 'digressus,' which is the past participle of 'digredi.' The Latin root is composed of 'di-' meaning 'away' and 'gradi' meaning 'to step.' Therefore, it literally means 'to step away' from a topic or subject. The term started to appear in Middle English in the early 14th century and has evolved to encompass the broader concept of departing from the main idea in discourse. Over the centuries, 'digress' has been commonly used in literary and rhetorical contexts, often to describe the practice of elaborating on a point that may not be entirely relevant but can still add value or color to the discussion.

Word Frequency Rank

Ranking #36,373, this word is encountered relatively rarely in everyday English. It might appear in literary works or specialized texts but isn't essential for general communication.