Incidental: meaning, definitions and examples

Used when something occurs as a minor consequence or accompaniment of something else. It's often found in professional or technical contexts.

• His connection to the project was purely incidental.
• Incidental expenses will be covered by the company.

Best used when something happens by chance or mistake, without being planned. Often comes with a sense of unexpectedness.

• It was an accidental discovery.
• She caused an accidental fire while cooking.

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.

• The secondary goal of the project is to improve team cohesion.
• Her health is their primary concern, everything else is secondary.

Use this word to describe something that is of lesser importance or smaller in scale. Often seen in comparison with something major.

• The patient had a minor injury.
• There were some minor changes to the schedule.

This word works well in contexts where something is informal or occasional. It can describe events, clothing, or relationships.

• They had a casual meeting at the café.
• He prefers to wear casual clothes.

Used when something happens by chance and is not the main focus or purpose.

• Finding the café was incidental to our walk
• The cost of the meal was incidental compared to the travel expenses

Often used in academic or professional settings to describe something added to another thing but not essential to it.

• The adjunct professor will teach the new course
• The new software is an adjunct to our main system

Refers to something that is not essential but adds to the main item, often related to fashion or tools.

• The handbag is a stylish accessory to her outfit
• He bought some accessories for his new smartphone

Indicates something extra or more than what was originally considered or planned.

• We need additional chairs for the meeting
• She asked for additional help with the project