Digression: meaning, definitions and examples

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digression

[ dษชหˆษกrษ›สƒ(ษ™)n ]

Noun
Context #1 | Noun

in conversation

A temporary departure from the main subject in speech or writing.

Synonyms

deviation, divergence, tangent.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
digression

Used when someone temporarily strays from the main topic in speech or writing, usually to provide additional information or a story.

  • The professor went on a digression about her travels in Europe.
  • His speech was full of interesting digressions.
deviation

Used to describe a departure from an established course or norm, often in a more formal or technical context.

  • Any deviation from the plan needs to be reported immediately.
  • The study showed a significant deviation from the expected results.
divergence

Used to highlight a separation or the process of becoming different between two or more things, often used in scientific, financial, or philosophical contexts.

  • The divergence of the two paths became evident over time.
  • Economic policies caused a significant divergence in the market trends.
tangent

Used when someone suddenly shifts from the main subject to discuss something only slightly related, often in an informal or conversational context.

  • He went off on a tangent about his favorite films.
  • Let's not go on a tangent; we need to focus on the main issue.

Examples of usage

  • Let's not get into any digressions and stick to the topic at hand.
  • His digressions often made his lectures more engaging for the students.
Context #2 | Noun

literature

A passage or section that deviates from the central theme in writing.

Synonyms

aside, detour, excursus.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
digression

A brief departure from the main subject in speech or writing, often to provide additional information or a personal anecdote. Digressions can sometimes be seen as distracting but can also add depth or color to the conversation or narrative.

  • During the lecture on quantum physics, the professor's digression into the history of scientific discoveries was rather enlightening.
  • Her story was full of digressions, each one revealing more about her adventurous past.
detour

An alternate route taken to avoid an obstacle or to explore something different. In conversation, it refers to a significant deviation from the main topic that can lead to unrelated discussions. Detours can be intentional or accidental.

  • Our discussion on environmental policy took a detour when we started talking about personal experiences with recycling.
  • The road construction forced us to take a detour through an unfamiliar part of town.
aside

A comment or remark that is not directly related to the main topic of discussion, often quick and offhand, typically made in a conversation or speech. Asides can be humorous or insightful, and they are usually brief.

  • In the middle of his speech, he made an aside about his recent vacation that got the audience laughing.
  • She whispered an aside to her friend while the teacher was writing on the board.
excursus

A detailed discussion about a particular point that may seem tangential to the main focus of a work but is included to provide further information or to elaborate on a specific topic. This term is often used in more formal, academic, or literary settings.

  • The book included an extensive excursus on the economic factors that led to the fall of the Roman Empire.
  • Her thesis contained an excursus on the influence of Greek philosophy on modern ethical theory.

Examples of usage

  • The novel includes several digressions that provide background information.
  • The digression in the essay added depth to the author's argument.

Translations

Translations of the word "digression" in other languages:

๐Ÿ‡ต๐Ÿ‡น digressรฃo

๐Ÿ‡ฎ๐Ÿ‡ณ เคตเคฟเคšเคฒเคจ

๐Ÿ‡ฉ๐Ÿ‡ช Abweichung

๐Ÿ‡ฎ๐Ÿ‡ฉ penyimpangan

๐Ÿ‡บ๐Ÿ‡ฆ ะฒั–ะดัั‚ัƒะฟ

๐Ÿ‡ต๐Ÿ‡ฑ dygresja

๐Ÿ‡ฏ๐Ÿ‡ต ้€ธ่„ฑ (ใ„ใคใ ใค)

๐Ÿ‡ซ๐Ÿ‡ท digression

๐Ÿ‡ช๐Ÿ‡ธ digresiรณn

๐Ÿ‡น๐Ÿ‡ท sapma

๐Ÿ‡ฐ๐Ÿ‡ท ์ผํƒˆ

๐Ÿ‡ธ๐Ÿ‡ฆ ุงุณุชุทุฑุงุฏ

๐Ÿ‡จ๐Ÿ‡ฟ odboฤenรญ

๐Ÿ‡ธ๐Ÿ‡ฐ odboฤenie

๐Ÿ‡จ๐Ÿ‡ณ ็ฆป้ข˜ (lรญtรญ)

๐Ÿ‡ธ๐Ÿ‡ฎ odmik

๐Ÿ‡ฎ๐Ÿ‡ธ frรกvik

๐Ÿ‡ฐ๐Ÿ‡ฟ ะฐัƒั‹ั‚า›ัƒ

๐Ÿ‡ฌ๐Ÿ‡ช แƒ’แƒแƒ“แƒแƒฎแƒ แƒ

๐Ÿ‡ฆ๐Ÿ‡ฟ sapma

๐Ÿ‡ฒ๐Ÿ‡ฝ digresiรณn

Etymology

The word 'digression' originated from the Latin word 'digressio', which means 'a stepping away from'. It entered the English language in the late 15th century. The concept of digression has been used in literature and rhetoric to provide additional information or side stories that enrich the main narrative. Digressions can add depth and complexity to a piece of writing, offering insights and perspectives that enhance the reader's understanding.

Word Frequency Rank

Positioned at #20,511, this word is part of extensive vocabulary. It's relatively rare in general usage but may be important in specific fields or formal writing.