Digression

/dʌɪˈɡɹɛʃən/ · noun

Meaning

An aside, an act of straying from the main subject in speech or writing..

Definitions by Sense

1. An aside, an act of straying from the main subject in speech or writing.
2. (generally uncountable) The act of straying from the main subject in speech or writing, (rhetoric) particularly for rhetorical effect.
3. (obsolete) A deviancy, a sin or error, an act of straying from the path of righteousness or a general rule.
4. (now rare) A deviation, an act of straying from a path.
5. (astronomy, physics) An elongation, a deflection or deviation from a mean position or expected path.

Example Sentences

The lectures included lengthy digressions on topics ranging from the professor's dog to the meaning of life.

History tells us stodgy, cautious stuff, cardigan-football is the way to go here. The 1966 World Cup kicked off with 0-0 draw against Uruguay so tedious the Guardian match report contains a whimsical digression on the writer’s urge to drift off to sleep in the second half.

make digression... by way of digression...

Nature... More stronger hadde her operacyon Than she hath nowe in her dygressyon.

By this little digression into Gascony, the Duke had an opportunity... to re-inforce himself with some particular Servants of his.

This digression [of the Sun] is not equall, but neare the Æquinoxiall intersections, it is right and greater, near the Solstices, more oblique and lesser.

Synonyms for digression

Antonyms for digression

Related Words

Word Forms

• digressions
• degression
• disgression

Usage Notes

Choose a synonym only when it preserves the intended meaning, tone, and grammar of the full sentence.

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