tangential
Say it: tan-JEN-shul /tænˈdʒɛnʃəl/ · adjective
What “tangential” means
Only slightly connected to the main subject.
More precisely: Only slightly related to the main subject.
Example: “Let's park that tangential point and get back to the budget.”
When to use it
When a comment wanders away from the main issue but has a small connection, often in meetings or discussions.
Similar words
peripheral, incidental, digressive
Where it comes from
From Latin tangere, "to touch."
Quick check
During a discussion about library opening hours, someone mentions the colour of its curtains. That point is…
central or tangential?
Show the answer
tangential
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