# digression

/daɪˈɡɹɛʃən/ (US) · /daɪɡɹˈɛʃən/ (UK) · CEFR C1 · Noun

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/digression
Updated: 2026-10-16

## Definition

a part of a speech or piece of writing that moves away from the main subject for a short time. You use this when you want to tell a side story before returning to your main point.

For teachers: a temporary departure from the main subject in speech or writing. Often used to provide illustrative anecdotes or supplementary information before returning to the primary thesis.

## Examples

- After a short digression about his childhood, the speaker returned to the main topic.
- The professor's lecture was full of interesting digressions, though they sometimes made it difficult to follow his central argument.
- While some readers find the author's frequent digressions into local history distracting, others argue that these narrative detours provide essential texture to the novel's setting.

## Synonyms

aside, excursion, parenthesis, deviation

## Usage notes

- Commonly used with the verbs 'make' or 'embark on'.

---

From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.