Meaning & Definition of word "Tangential"
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.