Definition

1. Verb:
   • To depart from the main subject temporarily in speech or writing.
   • To deviate or wander away from the main path or the intended direction of an argument, narrative, or thought process.

Usage

• The verb digress is used to describe the action of moving away from the central topic of discussion. It is often used in formal or academic contexts but is also common in everyday conversation about storytelling or lectures.
• It is typically followed by the preposition "from" (e.g., ).
• It can be used in the present participle form (digressing) to describe the ongoing action.

Examples

• Verb:
  • The professor tends to digress into fascinating anecdotes about his travels.
  • I don't mean to digress, but this reminds me of a similar story.
  • Her essay digresses from its thesis in the third paragraph, weakening the argument.

Advanced Usage

• "To digress for a moment": A common phrase used to signal a temporary departure from the main topic before returning to it.
  • To digress for a moment, I'd like to address a related concern.
• "If I may digress": A polite or formal way to introduce a tangential point.
  • If I may digress, this historical context is crucial for understanding the current situation.

Variants and Related Words

• Digression (n): The act of digressing or an instance of it; a passage that departs from the main theme.
  • His long digression about the weather confused the audience.
• Digressive (adj): Characterized by digression; tending to depart from the main point.
  • Her digressive writing style is charming but sometimes lacks focus.

Synonyms

• Deviate: To turn aside from a course, standard, or topic.
• Diverge: To extend in a different direction from a common point; to differ in opinion.
• Stray: To wander from a direct course or leave the intended subject.
• Wander: To move or travel aimlessly; (of the mind or speech) to lose focus.

Antonyms

• Adhere: To stick to a course, plan, or topic.
• Focus: To concentrate attention or effort on a central subject.
• Persist: To continue steadfastly or firmly in a course of action or opinion.

Related Phrases

• Go off on a tangent: To suddenly start talking about a different subject. (This is an idiomatic phrase with a similar meaning to digress).
  • He went off on a tangent about his favorite movie instead of answering the question.
• Get sidetracked: To be diverted from the main subject or course. (This phrasal verb implies distraction).
  • We got sidetracked by a minor detail and never finished the agenda.

Verb

1. wander from a direct or straight course
2. lose clarity or turn aside especially from the main subject of attention or course of argument in writing, thinking, or speaking
   • She always digresses when telling a story
   • her mind wanders
   • Don't digress when you give a lecture