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Excursive Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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excursive

[ɪkˈsɜːrsɪv ]

Definition

Context #1 | Adjective

general use

Excursive refers to a style of discourse or thought that is rambling or digressive. It often involves going off on tangents rather than sticking closely to the main topic. This term can also describe something that is wandering or straying from the expected course.

Synonyms

desultory, digressive, rambling.

Examples of usage

  • The scholar's excursive lecture left many students confused.
  • Her excursive writing style made the novel a bit difficult to follow.
  • During the meeting, he took an excursive route to explain his point.

Translations

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

Origin of 'excursive'

The word 'excursive' originates from the Latin 'excursivus', which derives from 'excursus', meaning 'a running out' or 'a digression'. This Latin term is a combination of 'ex-', meaning 'out' or 'from', and 'currere', meaning 'to run'. As it evolved into English in the late 19th century, 'excursive' took on the specific connotation of straying away from a central point or leading thoughts that wander off-topic. Its use in literature and speech often carries a nuanced meaning, indicating a lack of focus or a tendency to deviate, reminiscent of a physical journey that veers off the main path.

Word Frequency Rank

Ranking #38,767, 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.