digress

[dih-gres, dahy-]

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.

digress

/ daɪˈɡrɛs /

verb

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

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

Other Word Forms

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

Word History and Origins

Origin of digress¹

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 )

Word History and Origins

Origin of digress¹

C16: from Latin dīgressus turned aside, from dīgredī, from dis- apart + gradī to go

Synonym Study

See deviate.

Example Sentences

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

From Los Angeles Times

It was there that the sketch got its biggest laughs, with Trump digressing about saving TikTok and giving his reasoning for moving his upcoming inauguration indoors.

From Salon

But Trump inevitably digressed to his usual meandering stump speech which he delivered in ever desperate tones to an audience that was more often silent than not.

From Salon

Trump generally attempted to continue the overall theme of national unity that kept coming up this week at the party convention - but at several points he digressed into sharp attacks on Democrats and their policies.

From BBC

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

From New York Times

Related Words

• meander