verb
-
to depart from the main subject in speech or writing
-
to wander from one's path or main direction
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
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
If David Nihill was a philosopher, his credo might be “I digress, therefore I am.”
From Los Angeles Times • Mar. 13, 2026
If we really want to talk about moral failings, perhaps we should ask predatory lenders to join the chat—but I digress.
From Slate • Mar. 28, 2024
That may be going a bit too far, but I digress.
From Salon • Feb. 19, 2024
But I digress — this is supposed to be a positive column.
From Seattle Times • May 3, 2023
But though I can digress with the best of them, I am nothing in my soul if not obsessive.
From "The Secret History" by Donna Tartt
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Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.