What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
digress
Example
Sorry to digress, but I wanted to share a personal story related to this topic. [digress: verb]
Example
The speaker digressed from the main point to address a related issue. [digressed: past tense]
diverge
Example
Our paths diverged after college, and we lost touch. [diverged: past tense]
Example
The group's opinions began to diverge as the discussion continued. [diverge: verb]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Diverge is more commonly used than digress in everyday language. Diverge is versatile and covers a wide range of contexts, while digress is less common and typically used in the context of conversations or discussions.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between digress and diverge?
Both digress and diverge are formal words that are more likely to be used in academic or professional settings than in casual conversation.
