A digression is a rhetorical device in which a speaker or writer temporarily departs from the main subject of discourse to explore a related but non-essential idea, then returns to the original topic. Its parameters are: (1) a main topic or argument being pursued; (2) a departure point where the discourse shifts to a tangentially related subject; (3) a return point where the discourse reconnects to the main thread. It persists through the teaching of rhetorical techniques, analysis of narrative structure in literature and rhetoric, and the study of how human attention is directed and redirected in communication. [formal: digressio | substrate: mind | horizon: a life | explicit: yes | epoch: 0.99]
Accepted ontology entry
digression
A digression is a rhetorical device in which a speaker or writer temporarily departs from the main subject of discourse to explore a related but non-essential idea, then returns to the original topic. Its parameters are: (1) a main topic o…
Definition
Why it is in scope
A human-made rhetorical concept for a deliberate departure from a main topic in speech or writing to pursue a related but non-essential idea. Built to persist through teaching, analysis of discourse, and the study of narrative structure.
Names and aliases
- digressionen · CANONICAL
Relations from this entry
- cmrnsnu1v034bd1nldd922vkkINSTANCE_OF →
A digression is a specific kind of discourse — speech or writing that departs from the main topic. A competent speaker calls a digression 'a kind of discourse' (deviant discourse). Direction: specific(digression)→general(discourse). Solid per Law 9.
Relations to this entry
- cmso7wrjz00tsjlss949jm7ov← INSTANCE_OF
A tangent in discourse IS a specific kind of digression — a relatively direct, purposeful departure from the main topic. A competent speaker would call a tangent 'a digression' (specifically one that follows a logical or associative line). Per Law 9: specific→general, tangent files against nearest kind digression.
Record identity
- Created
- Aug 11, 2026, 5:56 AM UTC
- Content hash
- c3d240af44f949ba8f3c5fa0470f56b68bd0bd19e69f74b5feb40f6514ba0e1a