diˈgression: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C1formal
Quick answer
What does “diˈgression” mean?
A temporary departure from the main subject in speech or writing.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A temporary departure from the main subject in speech or writing.
Any act of straying from a primary path, topic, or line of reasoning.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant difference in meaning or usage. Spelling is consistent.
Connotations
Slightly more common in British academic/professional critique.
Frequency
Low frequency in both dialects, used primarily in formal, academic, or literary contexts.
Grammar
How to Use “diˈgression” in a Sentence
digression from [topic/narrative/point]digression about/on/concerning [topic]digression into [area/topic]Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “diˈgression” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- The professor would often digress to discuss his favourite cricket matches.
- I must apologise for digressing; let's return to the budget.
American English
- The speaker kept digressing into unrelated personal anecdotes.
- I digress; back to the main point about the policy.
adverb
British English
- He spoke digressively for twenty minutes before reaching his conclusion.
American English
- She wandered digressively from the topic, but it was entertaining.
adjective
British English
- His digressive style made the lecture hard to follow.
- The essay was criticised for its digressive paragraphs.
American English
- The book's digressive chapters provide rich historical context.
- Her digressive storytelling can be charming or frustrating.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Used in meetings or reports to comment on discussions straying from the agenda: 'Let's avoid further digressions and focus on Q3 targets.'
Academic
Common in critiques of essays, lectures, or arguments: 'The chapter's lengthy digression into medieval history weakens its central thesis.'
Everyday
Rare. Might be used humorously or critically: 'Sorry for the digression, what was I saying about the holiday?'
Technical
In narrative theory or rhetoric, a studied stylistic element.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “diˈgression”
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “diˈgression”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “diˈgression”
- Misspelling as 'degression' or 'digretion'.
- Using in overly informal contexts where 'going off topic' is more natural.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No. While often unintended and unhelpful in strict argumentation, digressions can be deliberate, entertaining, or enlightening, especially in literature and certain speaking styles.
An 'aside' is typically very brief and often direct address to the audience (especially in drama). A 'digression' is usually longer and represents a more substantial departure from the main topic.
Yes, it can be neutral or positive when the departure is seen as interesting, enriching, or a welcome break. Descriptions like 'an enlightening digression' or 'a pleasant digression' are possible.
'To digress.' The phrase 'I digress' (or 'But I digress') is a common formula used by speakers to acknowledge they have strayed from their topic and are now returning to it.
A temporary departure from the main subject in speech or writing.
Diˈgression is usually formal in register.
Diˈgression: in British English it is pronounced /daɪˈɡreʃ.ən/, and in American English it is pronounced /daɪˈɡreʃ.ən/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “to go off on a tangent (similar concept)”
- “to wander off the point/reservation”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think: DIGRESSION = DIGRESSing from a sESSION. You leave the main session to digress.
Conceptual Metaphor
THOUGHT/SPEECH IS A PATH; a digression is a side-path or detour.
Practice
Quiz
In which context would the use of 'digression' be LEAST appropriate?