Digress vs. Regress: What's the Difference?
Edited by Harlon Moss || By Janet White || Updated on October 29, 2023
"Digress" means to stray from the main topic, while "regress" means to return to a less developed state; both indicate a departure.
Key Differences
"Digress" refers to leaving the main subject temporarily in speech or writing; it's often used when someone veers off the central topic. Conversely, "regress" implies going back to an earlier or less advanced state, often used in the context of behavior, skills, or conditions.
When someone digresses, they often indulge in side conversations or topics that might be related but are not the primary focus. On the other hand, to regress is to demonstrate behavior or conditions that are reminiscent of a less mature or less developed stage.
A speaker might digress to inject humor or an anecdotal story into a presentation, which can be engaging or distracting, depending on the audience. In contrast, an individual might regress in skills, such as a trained musician who stops practicing and loses proficiency.
Writers often digress from the main narrative to provide background information, character development, or details about the setting. In a different vein, societies can regress, for example, in terms of economic development or human rights, often due to detrimental policies or global events.
In meetings or debates, a participant might be cautioned not to digress to maintain a clear, focused discussion. Whereas, in psychological terms, an individual undergoing extreme stress might regress, exhibiting behaviors common in a younger, more secure time.
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Comparison Chart
Definition
Deviating from the main topic
Returning to a previous, less developed state
Usage Context
Speech, writing, conversation
Psychological, developmental, societal contexts
Associated Action
Departing, sidetracking
Reverting, backsliding
Outcome
Additional, often unrelated information
Decline in condition, behavior, or skill
Temporality
Usually temporary and short-lived
Can be long-term or permanent
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Digress and Regress Definitions
Digress
To wander away from the focal point.
Without a guide, discussions can easily digress.
Regress
To revert to a former behavior.
Under stress, individuals can regress to old habits.
Digress
To diverge from the central theme.
Authors sometimes digress to provide critical insights.
Regress
To move backward, opposite of progress.
Artistic movements sometimes regress before finding new expressions.
Digress
To deviate from the subject.
Please don't digress; your point was compelling.
Regress
To return to a previous state.
Without practice, one's skills may regress.
Digress
To stray off the main topic.
I won't digress further because time is limited.
Regress
To decline to a less perfect state.
Technological regression can follow a societal collapse.
Digress
To stray temporarily from the topic at hand, as in delivering a speech or engaging in a discussion.
Regress
To go back to an earlier or less advanced condition.
The economy might regress if interventions are not prompt.
Digress
(intransitive) To step or turn aside; to deviate; to swerve; especially, to turn aside from the main subject of attention, or course of argument, in writing or speaking.
Regress
To return to a previous, usually worse or less developed state
When I left the country, my ability to speak the language regressed.
Digress
(intransitive) To turn aside from the right path; to transgress; to offend.
Regress
To have a tendency to approach or go back to a statistical mean.
Digress
To step or turn aside; to deviate; to swerve; especially, to turn aside from the main subject of attention, or course of argument, in writing or speaking.
Moreover she beginneth to digress in latitude.
In the pursuit of an argument there is hardly room to digress into a particular definition as often as a man varies the signification of any term.
Regress
To move backward or away from a reference point; recede
The seas regressed as the glaciers grew larger.
Digress
To turn aside from the right path; to transgress; to offend.
Thy abundant goodness shall excuseThis deadly blot on thy digressing son.
Regress
To induce a state of regression in
Techniques to regress a patient under hypnosis.
Digress
Digression.
Regress
The act of regressing, especially the returning to a previous, usually worse or less developed state.
Digress
Lose clarity or turn aside especially from the main subject of attention or course of argument in writing, thinking, or speaking;
She always digresses when telling a story
Her mind wanders
Don't digress when you give a lecture
Regress
The act of reasoning backward from an effect to a cause or of continually applying a process of reasoning to its own results.
Digress
Wander from a direct or straight course
Regress
The act of passing back; passage back; return; retrogression.
Digress
To veer into unrelated territory.
Conversations often digress into personal anecdotes.
Regress
The power or liberty of passing back.
Regress
In property law, the right of a person (such as a lessee) to return to a property.
Regress
(intransitive) To move backwards to an earlier stage; to devolve.
Regress
To move from east to west.en
Regress
To reduce in severity or size (as of a tumor), without reaching total remission.
Regress
To perform a regression on an explanatory variable.
When we regress Y on X, we use the values of variable X to predict those of Y.
Regress
(transitive) To interrogate a person in a state of trance about forgotten elements of their past.
Regress
The act of passing back; passage back; return; retrogression. "The progress or regress of man".
Regress
The power or liberty of passing back.
Regress
To go back; to return to a former place or state.
Regress
The reasoning involved when you assume the conclusion is true and reason backward to the evidence
Regress
Returning to a former state
Regress
Go back to a statistical means
Regress
Go back to a previous state;
We reverted to the old rules
Regress
Get worse; fall back to a previous or worse condition
Regress
Go back to bad behavior;
Those who recidivate are often minor criminals
FAQs
Is regress always negative?
Typically, yes, as it indicates a decline or reversal in progress.
Does digressing disrupt communication?
It can if the departure is lengthy or irrelevant.
Is it normal to digress during conversations?
Yes, it's a common aspect of informal dialogue.
Can digress be used in formal writing?
Yes, when offering additional, pertinent information.
What causes someone to regress?
Factors like stress, trauma, or change in environment.
Can digress be positive?
Yes, if the diversion enriches the story or conversation.
Can societies regress?
Yes, often due to economic, political, or social upheavals.
Should public speakers avoid digressing?
Not always; relevant anecdotes or data can enhance presentations.
How can a writer effectively digress?
By ensuring the diversion adds value or context to the main narrative.
Is emotional regression common?
Yes, especially during periods of significant stress or change.
In what fields is regress commonly used?
Psychology, medicine, sociology, and economics.
Are there limits to how far one should digress?
Yes, it's important to return to the main topic promptly.
Can technology regress?
Yes, often due to lost knowledge or reduced resources.
Do all conversations digress?
Many do, especially informal or lengthy ones.
Can therapy cause temporary regression?
Yes, revisiting past traumas might trigger it.
Does regression indicate failure?
Not necessarily; it may be part of a process of adjustment or healing.
Can novels digress from the main plot?
Yes, often to develop characters or establish setting.
Can skills regress?
Yes, typically due to lack of practice or use.
Is digress synonymous with diverge?
In the context of deviating from a topic, they're similar.
Can regress be a conscious choice?
Rarely; it's often an involuntary response to circumstances.
About Author
Written by
Janet WhiteJanet White has been an esteemed writer and blogger for Difference Wiki. Holding a Master's degree in Science and Medical Journalism from the prestigious Boston University, she has consistently demonstrated her expertise and passion for her field. When she's not immersed in her work, Janet relishes her time exercising, delving into a good book, and cherishing moments with friends and family.
Edited by
Harlon MossHarlon is a seasoned quality moderator and accomplished content writer for Difference Wiki. An alumnus of the prestigious University of California, he earned his degree in Computer Science. Leveraging his academic background, Harlon brings a meticulous and informed perspective to his work, ensuring content accuracy and excellence.
