Excursus: meaning, definitions and examples

📚

Add to dictionary

excursus

[ɪkˈskəːsəs ]

Definition

^{Context #1 | Noun}

a brief discussion or exploration

An excursus is a brief discussion or exploration of a particular topic, often included as a digression in a larger work. It provides additional context or information that may not be directly related to the main subject.

Synonyms

aside, detour, digression.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
excursus	See explanation for 'excursus', which is the same as 'excursus.'
digression	Often used to describe a temporary departure from the main subject in speech or writing, usually perceived as unnecessary or unhelpful. It can sometimes have a negative connotation if done excessively. After a long digression about his childhood, he finally got back to the point. Her digressions made it difficult to follow the main argument.
aside	Typically used in conversations or speeches when someone briefly mentions something not directly related to the main topic. As an aside, I would like to mention that our next meeting is on Monday. The speaker made an aside about the weather before continuing with his presentation.
detour	Commonly used to describe a physical change in direction or route, but can also refer to any deviation from the main plan or topic. It often implies a purposeful pause or diversion. We had to take a detour due to road construction. Her talk took a detour into personal anecdotes before returning to the main topic.

Examples of usage

The author included an excursus on the historical background of the novel.
The excursus on Greek mythology added depth to the analysis of the text.

Interesting Facts

Etymology

The word comes from the Latin 'excursus', meaning 'a running out', which captures the idea of straying from the main topic.
In its original use, 'excursus' described physical journeys but evolved over time to refer to intellectual digressions.

Literature

'Excursus' is often used in academic writing to introduce complexities of a subject without disrupting the main narrative flow.
Many famous works include excursions: for example, authors like James Joyce have used them to elaborate on themes or character backgrounds.

Communication

In speeches, an excursus can help clarify points, ensuring the audience understands deeper concepts related to the main topic.
It's commonly used in educational contexts to dive into subtopics that enhance the main discussion.

Philosophy

Philosophers utilize excursions to explore philosophical ideas in-depth, which provides a broader understanding of their main thesis.
Excursi can also appear in discussions where additional perspectives are needed to challenge or support the primary argument.

Art and Music

In music, an 'excursus' might refer to a breakaway passage that serves to elaborate on a theme before returning to the main melody.
Visual artists might create an excursus by adding detailed backgrounds in their works, enhancing the viewer's understanding.

Translations

Translations of the word "excursus" in other languages:

🇵🇹 excursus

🇮🇳 व्याख्यान

🇩🇪 Exkurs

🇮🇩 penjelasan singkat

🇺🇦 екскурс

🇵🇱 dygresja

🇯🇵 短い説明

🇫🇷 digression

🇪🇸 excursus

🇹🇷 ekskürs

🇰🇷 여담

🇸🇦 استطراد

🇨🇿 odbočka

🇸🇰 odbočka

🇨🇳 插曲

🇸🇮 eksurz

🇮🇸 útúrdúr

🇰🇿 экскурс

🇬🇪 ექსკურსი

🇦🇿 ekskurs

🇲🇽 excursus

Word Frequency Rank

This word's position of #33,762 indicates it's among the more rare English words. While understanding it broadens your vocabulary, focus on more common words first.

...
33759 checkmate
33760 implacably
33761 civet
33762 excursus
33763 baptistery
33764 bluefish
33765 fratricide
...