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 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
Premium subscriptions are just a click away if you’re feeling froggy, but we digress.
From Los Angeles Times • Jun. 12, 2023
But I digress — this is supposed to be a positive column.
From Seattle Times • May 3, 2023
I’m sure there’s no strategic advantage to examining a superior changeling ship’s technology when many of them have taken over Starfleet, but we digress.
From New York Times • Apr. 6, 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.