digress

American  

[dih-gres, dahy-] / dɪˈgrɛs, daɪ- /

verb (used without object)

1. to deviate or wander away from the main topic or purpose in speaking or writing; depart from the principal line of argument, plot, study, etc.

   Synonyms:

   stray, ramble

2. Archaic. to turn aside.

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digress British  

/ daɪˈɡrɛs /

verb

1. to depart from the main subject in speech or writing

2. to wander from one's path or main direction

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Related Words

See deviate.

Other Word Forms

• digresser noun
• digressingly adverb
• redigress verb (used without object)

Etymology

Origin of digress

First recorded in 1520–30; from Latin dīgressus “departed,” past participle of dīgredī “to go off, depart, digress,” from dī- di- ² + -gredī (combining form of gradī “to go”; grade )

Example Sentences

There are less rules outside, fewer boundaries: coffee dates prolong, walks meander, thoughts digress.

From Los Angeles Times

If David Nihill was a philosopher, his credo might be “I digress, therefore I am.”

From Los Angeles Times

But then Will spoils the effect by digressing into a jarring non sequitur:

From Salon

“And what we are seeing now is we are digressing.”

From Los Angeles Times

“Look at that beautiful lake,” he said, digressing.

From New York Times

Related Words

• meander