tangential
What does "tangential" mean?
The word "tangential" describes something that is only slightly or indirectly related to the main topic at hand. Imagine a line that just barely touches the edge of a circle—it doesn't go through the center or become part of the shape; it merely brushes against it before moving off in a different direction. In conversation, you use this when someone brings up a point that, while perhaps interesting, drifts away from the core subject. It is often used to politely steer a discussion back on track, as in "That's an interesting point, but it's tangential to our current goal."
"tangential" in conversation
Project meeting
Should we discuss the budget for the new software?
Should we discuss the budget for the new software?
Actually, I think the office coffee machine is broken again.
Actually, I think the office coffee machine is broken again.
That's a bit tangential, Mark. Let's stick to the software budget for now.
That's a bit tangential, Mark. Let's stick to the software budget for now.
Useful for refocusing a group discussion.
Academic lecture
I will include a brief, tangential note on the history of the printing press, though it won't be on the final exam.
I will include a brief, tangential note on the history of the printing press, though it won't be on the final exam.
So we don't need to memorize the dates?
So we don't need to memorize the dates?
Used to describe extra information that is not essential.
"tangential" in a sentence
He made a tangential comment about the weather.
He made a tangential comment about the weather.
The judge ruled that the evidence provided was tangential to the main case.
The judge ruled that the evidence provided was tangential to the main case.
The author often veers into tangential anecdotes that distract from the narrative's central theme.
The author often veers into tangential anecdotes that distract from the narrative's central theme.
