Digression meaning

A digression is a temporary departure from the main topic or theme in a conversation or piece of writing.


Digression definitions

Word backwards noissergid
Part of speech Noun
Syllabic division di-gres-sion
Plural The plural of the word digression is digressions.
Total letters 10
Vogais (3) i,e,o
Consonants (5) d,g,r,s,n

Understanding Digression

Digression is a literary technique where the author deviates from the main topic or central theme of the narrative. It involves temporarily shifting the focus to explore a related or unrelated tangent before returning to the main subject matter. This technique can add depth, complexity, and richness to a piece of writing, providing additional context or perspective.

Types of Digression

There are two main types of digression: intentional and unintentional. Intentional digression is purposeful and planned by the author to enhance the narrative, develop characters, or provide background information. On the other hand, unintentional digression can occur when the writer loses focus or strays off course, resulting in unnecessary or irrelevant information being included in the text.

The Role of Digression

Digression can serve several purposes in a literary work. It can create suspense, build tension, and add complexity to the plot. By exploring tangential ideas or stories, digression can also provide a deeper understanding of the characters, themes, or setting of the narrative. Additionally, digression can contribute to the overall structure and rhythm of a piece of writing, offering a break from the main storyline and allowing for reflection or contemplation.

Examples of Digression in Literature

One famous example of digression in literature is found in Herman Melville's "Moby Dick," where the narrator, Ishmael, often goes off on tangents about various topics such as whaling practices, the nature of revenge, and the symbolism of the color white. These digressions not only add depth and complexity to the text but also serve to engage readers in different ways.

Overall, digression is a powerful literary tool that can enhance the storytelling experience by offering unique perspectives, enriching the narrative, and captivating the audience's attention. When used effectively, digression can elevate a piece of writing and make it more compelling and thought-provoking.


Digression Examples

  1. During the lecture, the professor often went off on a digression about his research projects.
  2. The novel included a lengthy digression about the protagonist's childhood memories.
  3. His digression into the realm of conspiracy theories left his friends feeling confused.
  4. The politician's speech consisted of one digression after another, making it hard to follow his main points.
  5. Despite his digression, he managed to eventually circle back to the original topic of discussion.
  6. The podcast host's digression into personal anecdotes added a conversational touch to the episode.
  7. She tried to keep her digression short, aware of the limited time she had to present her argument.
  8. The movie director used a digression in the plot to create suspense and intrigue among the audience.
  9. In the midst of his speech, he suddenly went off on a digression that seemed unrelated to the topic at hand.
  10. The teacher encouraged students to ask questions to prevent digressions that veered too far off course.


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  • Updated 25/04/2024 - 20:45:14