'digress' originates from Latin, specifically the word 'digredi,' where 'di-' meant 'apart' and 'gradi' meant 'to step.'

'digredi' transformed into the Medieval Latin word 'digressare,' and eventually became the modern English word 'digress.'

Initially, it meant 'to step apart,' but over time it evolved into its current meaning of 'to deviate from the main topic.'