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divagate

verb/ˈdɪvɪˌɡeɪt/

definition

to wander or stray from a course or subject

example

During the meeting, I noticed that we began to divagate from the main topic, which led to confusion among the team members.

synonyms
digressstraywander
word origin — derived from the Latin word 'divagari', meaning 'to wander about', which combines 'di-' (apart) and 'vagari' (to wander)

divagate, perfectionate, confabulate, anathematize, decussate: meanings and examples

Learn these 5 words from Word Ultra set 265. Each entry includes a definition, example sentence, pronunciation, and synonyms. Use the interactive cards above to practice them.

  1. divagate · verb/ˈdɪvɪˌɡeɪt/

    to wander or stray from a course or subject

    During the meeting, I noticed that we began to divagate from the main topic, which led to confusion among the team members.

    Synonyms: digress, stray, wander

    Origin: derived from the Latin word 'divagari', meaning 'to wander about', which combines 'di-' (apart) and 'vagari' (to wander)

  2. perfectionate · verb/pərˈfɛkʃənət/

    to make perfect or improve greatly

    The artist worked tirelessly to perfectionate her techniques, resulting in breathtaking masterpieces that left everyone in awe.

    Synonyms: perfect, refine, enhance

    Origin: Derived from the Latin word 'perfectio', meaning 'completion' or 'perfection'.

  3. confabulate · verb/kənˈfæbjəˌleɪt/

    to engage in conversation or discussion often involving fabrication of memories

    During the family reunion, the older relatives started to confabulate about their childhood adventures, mixing truth with a bit of embellishment.

    Synonyms: chat, converse, discuss

    Origin: from Latin 'confabulari', meaning 'to talk together, chat' - 'con-' (together) + 'fabulari' (to talk, tell).

  4. anathematize · verb/əˈnæθəˌmaɪz/

    to condemn or denounce publicly

    The church leaders decided to anathematize the new ideology that contradicted their long-held beliefs.

    Synonyms: denounce, condemn, censure

    Origin: From the Greek 'anathema', meaning 'a thing devoted to evil', and 'anathein', meaning 'to set up' or 'to dedicate'.

  5. decussate · verb/dɪˈkʌseɪt/

    to cross or intertwine in the shape of an X

    The branches of the plant decussate at right angles, creating an intricate pattern as they grow.

    Synonyms: cross, intersect, intertwine

    Origin: from Latin 'decussatus', past participle of 'decussare', meaning 'to cross' or 'to form an X shape'