Digressing

Digressing means to deviate from the main topic or course of a discussion, argument, or line of thought. It involves a temporary departure, a going off-track, often to include a related but non-essential point, anecdote, or detail. It can be intentional or unintentional, enriching a conversation or, at its worst, leading to confusion and loss of focus. The effectiveness of a digression depends on its relevance, interest, and brevity; poorly executed digressions can be perceived as rambling or irrelevant.

Digressing meaning with examples

• During the lecture on ancient Rome, the professor began digressing to discuss the influence of Greek architecture. This detour, though tangential, proved insightful, connecting the two cultures and providing context. His students didn't mind this slight drift in topic. They found it gave a richer picture to the original lecture. All were excited to get to that part.
• The author, known for digressing frequently, often included lengthy descriptions of characters' backstories, even when they weren't directly relevant to the plot's immediate progression. Critics called this 'charming' while others called it 'distracting.' Readers appreciated the depth given to the story, and the world they got lost in.
• In the middle of a business meeting about sales projections, the CEO started digressing about his recent golf game. This was unusual, causing an awkward pause and several suppressed yawns. The team hoped he would get back to the subject. Eventually he did, yet the digression was seen as a poor choice for a serious meeting.
• She was attempting to explain her complex research, but kept digressing into overly technical jargon that confused her audience. The listeners asked her to stick to the points, while those unfamiliar with her topic became completely lost. The digression from the point showed a lack of communication skills.
• He kept digressing from the original plan during his speech, leading to a significantly longer and more disorganized presentation. The audience slowly lost focus. He attempted to bring back the talk to its starting point, but felt that the moment of connection had passed. It was unfortunate.