digression

[ dih-gresh-uhn, dahy- ]

noun

1. the act of digressing.

   Synonyms: divergence, deviation

2. a passage or section that deviates from the central theme in speech or writing.

   Synonyms: divergence, deviation

Other Words From

• di·gression·al di·gression·ary adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of digression¹

First recorded in 1325–75; Middle English, from Anglo-French, from Latin dīgressiōn-, stem of dīgressiō “departure,” from dīgress(us) “departed” (past participle of dīgredī “to go off, depart”; digress ) + -iō -ion

Example Sentences

Several researchers noted “more short sentences, confused word order, and repetition, alongside extended digressions.”

From Los Angeles Times

She makes digressions that veer into cultural criticism, but with so much more wit and excitement than you usually find in “cultural criticism.”

From Los Angeles Times

But he defended his position in a digression that he said was unscripted, in an effort to neutralize an issue that Democrats hope to make central in 2024.

From New York Times

There were no tangential digressions, no word-finding problems, his sentences and paragraphs were articulate, he was coherent, and there were no insults or other disinhibited behavior.

From Salon

That speech was more typical of Trump during his presidency – he relied on the teleprompter, but his digressions were easy to follow even if they were filled with lies.

From Salon

Related Words

• detour
• footnote