Excursiveness

Excursiveness refers to the tendency or quality of departing from the main subject or course of action; the act or instance of digressing or rambling. It describes a style characterized by side trips, detours, or deviations, often resulting in a wide-ranging or expansive narrative or discussion. It implies a breadth of scope, incorporating tangential information or exploring related, yet separate, topics in detail. It is often used when describing a writing style or thought process, which explores a vast variety of subjects. The effectiveness is dependant on whether the digressions add quality to the subject or obscure the main focus.

Excursiveness meaning with examples

• His lecture was known for its delightful excursiveness, veering from ancient history to quantum physics, yet somehow always circling back to the core topic. Listeners appreciated the breadth of knowledge demonstrated in the conversation. Despite occasional detours, the overall message provided a rich and engaging experience for all those who attended his lectures.
• The author's excursiveness in the novel, while initially jarring, gradually became a strength, enriching the characters’ development and expanding the narrative’s themes. The reader learned more about the characters the more the story went on. The additional information and background story provided context to the novel overall.
• The historian’s excursiveness, weaving in anecdotes and cultural details, gave their work a unique texture. Readers of his books praised the breadth of knowledge that the historian seemed to contain. The historical accounts did not just contain facts but also enriched the cultural impact of the events.
• Her mind was characterized by remarkable excursiveness. She constantly thought about different topics, which helped in brainstorming. She could bring together seemingly unrelated concepts, demonstrating a creative and flexible way of thinking. This helped her find unique insights to complex issues.
• The travelogue embraced excursiveness, exploring local markets, obscure landmarks, and personal experiences alongside the traditional itinerary. The book described the country in depth. The extra detail provided a well-rounded picture of what it was like to visit.