Incidental Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations
๐
incidental
[หษชn.sษชหden.tษl ]
Definitions
in daily life
occurring by chance or as a minor consequence; minor or casual
Synonyms
accidental, casual, minor, secondary.
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| incidental |
Used when something occurs as a minor consequence or accompaniment of something else. It's often found in professional or technical contexts.
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| accidental |
Best used when something happens by chance or mistake, without being planned. Often comes with a sense of unexpectedness.
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| secondary |
Use this word to describe something that is not the primary focus but still important. It often comes in the context of prioritization or sequence.
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| minor |
Use this word to describe something that is of lesser importance or smaller in scale. Often seen in comparison with something major.
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| casual |
This word works well in contexts where something is informal or occasional. It can describe events, clothing, or relationships.
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Examples of usage
- The damage to the car was merely incidental to the main issue.
- The noise from the construction site was just an incidental inconvenience for the residents.
legal
an item that is incidental
Synonyms
accessory, additional, adjunct.
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| incidental |
Used when something happens by chance and is not the main focus or purpose.
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| adjunct |
Often used in academic or professional settings to describe something added to another thing but not essential to it.
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| accessory |
Refers to something that is not essential but adds to the main item, often related to fashion or tools.
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| additional |
Indicates something extra or more than what was originally considered or planned.
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Examples of usage
- The contract includes all incidentals such as shipping costs and taxes.
Translations
To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.
Interesting Facts
Law
- In legal terms, incidental damages are costs that are not directly caused by an injury or accident but are a result of it.
- Incidental findings in medical tests refer to unexpected discoveries that may or may not be related to the initial reason for the test.
Finance
- In finance, incidental costs refer to additional expenses that arise from the main business activity, often not budgeted for.
- Investors might consider incidental benefits when they assess the overall performance of their assets.
Psychology
- From a psychological perspective, incidental learning occurs when knowledge is acquired without the intention to learn, often through activities or experiences.
- People often make incidental choices subconsciously, influenced by their environment rather than deliberate decision-making.
Pop Culture
- In films, incidental music is background music that supports the mood but isnโt the main audio focus of a scene.
- Sometimes, incidental characters in a story play minor roles that significantly contribute to the plot without being the main heroes.
Origin of 'incidental'
Main points about word origin
- The word comes from the Latin 'incidentalis', which means 'falling upon' or 'happening by chance'.
- The suffix '-al' signifies a relationship, making it refer to things that are related to what happens unexpectedly.
The word 'incidental' originated in the early 17th century from the Latin word 'incidentalis', which means 'falling upon'. Over time, it has evolved to be used in various contexts to describe something that is secondary, minor, or happening by chance.
See also: incidence, incident, incidentally, incidents.