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incidental

English → EnglishformalInstant · from the shared dictionary
Illustration of "incidental": Incidental describes something that happens as a minor consequence of something else, or something t

What does "incidental" mean?

Incidental describes something that happens as a minor consequence of something else, or something that is secondary to a main event. Think of it as the "side effect" or the "extra detail" that isn't the main focus of your attention, like a small background item in a photograph that you barely notice. In professional or formal contexts, it is often used to describe costs or expenses that are secondary to a primary purchase, such as "incidental expenses" during a business trip. It suggests that while the item is related to the main activity, it is not essential or planned for in the same way as the core task.

"incidental" in conversation

Discussing business trip expenses

Did you keep the receipts for your hotel and flight?

Did you keep the receipts for your hotel and flight?

Yes, but what about the incidental costs like coffee and snacks?

Yes, but what about the incidental costs like coffee and snacks?

You can expense those under the miscellaneous category.

You can expense those under the miscellaneous category.

Incidental is commonly used in travel and accounting to refer to minor, unplanned costs.

Casual conversation about a movie

The plot was great, but the music was just incidental.

The plot was great, but the music was just incidental.

I agree, it didn't really drive the story forward at all.

I agree, it didn't really drive the story forward at all.

Here, incidental implies the music was merely background noise rather than a key narrative element.

"incidental" in a sentence

  1. The damage to the car was purely incidental.

    The damage to the car was purely incidental.

  2. She mentioned the change in plans as an incidental detail during our conversation.

    She mentioned the change in plans as an incidental detail during our conversation.

  3. While the primary goal of the study was to measure growth, the incidental findings regarding heat resistance were far more significant.

    While the primary goal of the study was to measure growth, the incidental findings regarding heat resistance were far more significant.

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