Need another word for Tangential? Use these synonyms of Tangential from our thesaurus to say it differently.
Synonyms & Similar Words
peripheral
incidental
marginal
indirect
oblique
glancing
passing
fleeting
superficial
cursory
shallow
slight
minor
secondary
subordinate
ancillary
auxiliary
adjunct
incidental
parenthetical
digressive
meandering
rambling
discursive
divergent
aberrant
deviant
diverging
Meaning of Tangential
The primary meaning of "tangential" refers to something that is only slightly connected or related to the main topic or issue.
Definitions
- Going off or deviating from the main subject or line of thought
- * Only slightly connected or related to the main topic or issue
- * Touching or intersecting at a single point
Etymology of Tangential
The word "tangential" originates from the Latin term "tangens," which means "touching," and the suffix "-ial," which forms an adjective indicating a relationship or connection
Historically, the term has been used in mathematics and geometry to describe a line or curve that touches a circle or other curve at a single point
In modern usage, the word has expanded to include figurative senses, describing something that is only slightly connected or related to the main topic or issue
Example Uses
- The professor's tangential comments on the latest research were interesting but not directly relevant to the lecture
- * The novel's tangential storyline was engaging but seemed to distract from the main plot
- * The company's tangential involvement in the project was limited to providing minor technical support
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
central
main
primary
direct
straightforward
relevant
pertinent
material
significant
substantial
essential
fundamental
crucial
vital
necessary
intrinsic
inherent
integral
connected
related
associated