Digressively

Digressively is an adverb describing the act of departing from the main subject or course of thought, either intentionally or unintentionally, and often introducing irrelevant or parenthetical information. It emphasizes a movement away from the central topic, often characterized by tangents, side notes, or shifts in focus. The degree of digression can vary, from brief interjections to lengthy departures that temporarily obscure the original point. This term highlights a style of communication or writing that is not strictly linear but allows for exploration of related ideas, anecdotes, or supplementary information, potentially leading to a more comprehensive or engaging narrative, or, conversely, to a loss of focus.

Digressively meaning with examples

• During his lecture on quantum physics, the professor digressed extensively, sharing anecdotes about his research assistant and a curious incident involving a lost cat. While the details were interesting, they ultimately diluted the core concepts and left students struggling to recall the principal arguments. The audience's patience began to wane as he digressed further.
• The novel's narrative style adopted digressively, the author frequently veering from the primary plot to explore the historical background of minor characters and settings, revealing intricate details that seemed, at times, somewhat disconnected from the central storyline yet enriched the reader's understanding of the story.
• In their conversation about climate change, she digressed and detailed her personal feelings about the political inaction, describing her frustrations with the current state of affairs, which, while relevant, made the conversation drift from solutions.
• He wrote digressively, letting his stream of consciousness guide his pen, and ultimately creating a complex and rich portrait of his life, full of unexpected, yet compelling, insights into his journey. The readers struggled to stay focused on the main point.
• The comedian digressed between his jokes; occasionally changing the direction of his set, and delivering a set of opinions and tales that, while funny, would leave his audience uncertain of what to expect next.