Digressions

Digressions refer to departures from the main subject or course of a conversation, writing, or presentation. They involve straying from the central topic to introduce unrelated or tangential ideas, anecdotes, or information. Often intended to add interest, elaborate on a point, or provide background, digressions can sometimes become excessive, distracting the audience or reader from the primary purpose. The effectiveness of a digression depends heavily on its relevance, brevity, and ability to ultimately contribute to the overall understanding or enjoyment of the main subject.

Digressions meaning with examples

• During the lecture on ancient Rome, the professor launched into a lengthy digression about his recent trip to Italy, showing photos of the Colosseum and describing the taste of gelato. While entertaining, the digression unfortunately ate up precious time, and cut short coverage of the planned material.
• The novel's compelling narrative was occasionally interrupted by lengthy character backstories, often filled with vivid descriptions, that seemed like digressions. Although beautifully written, some readers found these detailed narratives distracted from the primary plot and pace.
• In her opening remarks, the speaker started on a digression, commenting on the weather and the venue before moving back to the central topic of economic development. While her brief digression initially seemed a bit superfluous, it helped create a rapport with the audience.
• The lawyer skillfully used a digression in her closing argument, incorporating an emotional appeal about the victim's life. Though it didn't directly relate to the evidence, the digression significantly impacted the jury, shaping their perception of the case.