Incidentally: meaning, definitions and examples
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incidentally
[ˌɪnsɪˈdɛntli ]
Definitions
in a casual or chance manner
By the way; in passing; without the writer's/speaker's intention or expectation.
Synonyms
by the way, coincidentally, in passing.
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| incidentally |
This word is used to introduce a topic that is slightly related to what was previously said. It often has a connotation of adding extra but interesting information.
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| by the way |
This phrase is commonly used to change the subject slightly or to add additional information that isn't directly related to the main conversation. It is informal and conversational.
|
| in passing |
This phrase is used to describe mentioning something quickly and without much detail, often while talking about something else.
|
| coincidentally |
This word is used to point out a happening that occurs by chance at the same time as another event. It implies a surprising connection or occurrence.
|
Examples of usage
- Incidentally, have you seen John lately?
- She told me that, incidentally, she was getting married.
- We met incidentally at the grocery store.
happening by chance or casually
Occurring casually in connection with something else.
Synonyms
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| incidentally |
Used to introduce a different topic or something less important that is related to the current topic.
|
| casual |
Describes something that happens by chance without specific planning or something relaxed and informal.
|
| unplanned |
Refers to something that happens without prior planning or preparation.
|
| random |
Describes something that is chosen, done, or occurring without a particular pattern or plan.
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Examples of usage
- An incidentally important detail.
- The incidentally mentioned guest.
Interesting Facts
Etymology
- This term is derived from the Latin word 'incidentalis', meaning 'falling upon' or 'happening'.
- The word entered English in the 17th century, combining 'incident' and the suffix '-ally' which makes it an adverb.
- Originally, 'incidentally' pertained to events that occurred casually or unexpectedly.
Communication
- In conversations, people often use this term to introduce a side note or additional point that is not the central topic.
- This word can help signal a shift in focus, which makes discussions more dynamic and layered.
- It serves as a bridge in narratives, connecting main ideas with peripheral thoughts without losing coherence.
Cultural Context
- In media, 'incidentally' is commonly used in journalism to introduce secondary information that enriches the main story.
- Storytellers often use it to weave in humor or relatable anecdotes, making their narratives more engaging.
- It can suggest a casual tone, often used in informal writing and speech to create a friendly atmosphere.
Psychology
- Using this term can indicate a cognitive shift in focus, as individuals draw connections between different ideas.
- In conversation, it can trigger memory recall, bringing forth details that may have been overlooked.
- It reflects how people navigate discussions, often revealing underlying thoughts and feelings that influence dialogue.
Literature
- Authors often use 'incidentally' to layer their narratives, seamlessly inserting details that enhance character development.
- The word appears frequently in essays and articles, helping writers introduce supplementary arguments without disrupting the main thesis.
- In poetry, it may serve to juxtapose primary themes with fleeting thoughts, adding depth to the reading experience.
Translations
Translations of the word "incidentally" in other languages:
🇵🇹 por acaso
🇮🇳 संजोग से (Sanjog se)
🇩🇪 zufällig
🇮🇩 kebetulan
🇺🇦 випадково
🇵🇱 przypadkowo
🇯🇵 偶然に (ぐうぜんに, guuzen ni)
🇫🇷 par hasard
🇪🇸 por casualidad
🇹🇷 tesadüfen
🇰🇷 우연히 (uyeonhi)
🇸🇦 بالمصادفة (bil-muṣādafa)
🇨🇿 náhodou
🇸🇰 náhodou
🇨🇳 偶然地 (ǒurán de)
🇸🇮 po naključju
🇮🇸 fyrir tilviljun
🇰🇿 кездейсоқ
🇬🇪 შემთხვევით (shemtskhvevit)
🇦🇿 təsadüfən
🇲🇽 por casualidad