digression
UK: daɪˈɡreʃən | US: daɪˈɡreʃən
n. a temporary departure from the main subject in speech or writing
n. an instance of straying from a path, route, or digression in a literal sense (archaic)
digression = di<apart> + gress<step, go> + ion<noun suffix>
- di- (prefix): From Latin dis-, meaning "apart" or "away."
- gress (root): From Latin gressus (past participle of gradi), meaning "to step" or "to go."
- -ion (suffix): A noun-forming suffix indicating an action or process.
Etymology Origin:
The word digression originates from Latin digressio, combining dis- (apart) and gradi (to step). It originally described physically stepping away from a path, later evolving metaphorically to mean straying from a topic in speech or writing. The root gress appears in related words like progress (forward movement) and regress (backward movement), highlighting its core idea of directional movement.
The professor's frequent digressions made it hard to follow the lecture.
Her essay included a long digression about medieval history.
Despite his digression, he eventually returned to the main argument.
The novel’s charm lies in its witty digressions.
Avoid digressions to keep your writing focused.