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 )
Explanation
If we're talking about science fiction, and you suddenly go off on a long tangent about the cost of grape soda, you digress. When a person digresses, they stray from the topic. It's easy to understand why you digressed from the main topic. You were incredibly excited, speeding on caffeine, and, let's face it, you've never been at a loss for words. Don't get me wrong: I love your wanderings — how you drift from one topic to the next, letting your mind explore. The problem was that the meeting was running late and there was no time to let you digress. I had to pull you back to the main topic. I didn't want our potential new partners to get the idea that these digressions were typical.
Vocabulary lists containing digress
Essential Academic Vocabulary for High School Students, List 2
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Grade 11, List 1
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ACT Vocabulary List
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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
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
Since a Suggestion from the Master is a Command not unlike Holy Writ, I shall digress and comply at the same Time.
From "Travels with Charley in Search of America" by John Steinbeck
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.
