Meaning & Definition of word "Tangential"
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Tangential
/tænˈdʒɛnʃəl/
noun:
- 1. a line or plane that touches a curve or surface at a point.
- Example: In calculus, the concept of the tangential line is critical for understanding derivatives.
adjective:
- 1. relating to or along a tangent.
- Example: The tangential lines to the circle illustrate the concept of tangents in geometry.
- 2. diverging from the main point or topic; peripheral.
- Example: Her comments during the meeting were tangential and did not contribute to the main discussion.
- 3. slightly relevant; incidental.
- Example: While the movie was entertaining, its themes felt tangential to the central message of the story.
Etymology
From Latin 'tangens', present participle of 'tangere' meaning 'to touch'.
Common Phrases and Expressions
tangentially related:
only slightly connected to the main topic.
tangential thinking:
a way of thinking that involves diverging from the main idea or focus.
tangential remark:
a comment that is only loosely related to the main discussion.
Related Words
tangent:
A line that touches a curve at a single point without crossing it.
digression:
A temporary departure from the main subject in speech or writing.
peripheral:
Related to the outer limits or edge of something.