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Tangential: meaning, definitions and examples

๐Ÿ”„
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tangential

 

[ tanหˆdส’ษ›nสƒษ™l ]

Adjective
Context #1 | Adjective

mathematics

relating to or along a tangent; diverging or digressing

Synonyms

digressing, diverging, off topic.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
tangential

Used when referring to something that is slightly related to the main topic but not directly connected. Often used in academic or formal discussions.

  • The speaker made a tangential remark about the weather before returning to the main topic of the lecture.
  • Her comment was tangential to the main issue, but still provided some interesting insights.
diverging

Typically used when describing something that is moving away from a common point or path. Can be used in both physical and conversational contexts.

  • The conversation started to diverge from the initial question of environmental policy.
  • The two roads diverge at the old oak tree.
digressing

Used when someone temporarily shifts away from the main topic, often in a narrative or speech. It can suggest a more deliberate detour.

  • He started by talking about the economy but soon began digressing into anecdotes from his childhood.
  • The professor kept digressing during the lecture, which made it hard to follow the main points.
off topic

Used when speaking about something that is not related to the main subject of discussion. This term often has a negative connotation, suggesting irrelevance or distraction.

  • Your comments are completely off topic and don't help us solve the problem at hand.
  • Let's try to stay focused and not get off topic during today's meeting.

Examples of usage

  • The tangential velocity of a rotating object is perpendicular to the radial direction.
  • Her tangential remarks during the lecture were distracting.
  • The discussion went off on a tangential topic.
  • The tangential line intersects the curve at a single point.
  • The professor's tangential explanation confused the students.
Context #2 | Adjective

general

only slightly relevant or connected; diverging from the main point

Synonyms

irrelevant, off topic, sidetracked.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
tangential

When something is only slightly related to the main topic or softly connected to it, often used in academic or formal contexts.

  • The professor's lecture was thorough, but some of the points were tangential to the main subject
irrelevant

When the information or comment has no connection to the current topic or discussion. It often has a negative connotation, implying the information is unnecessary.

  • His comments about the weather were irrelevant during the business meeting
off topic

Used to describe something that deviates from the subject being discussed. This phrase is often used in casual or informal settings.

  • Let's not get off topic here, we need to focus on the project deadline
sidetracked

When someone gets diverted from the main subject of focus, often used to describe a temporary distraction.

  • We were discussing the budget but got sidetracked by a long conversation about office policies

Examples of usage

  • The speaker made a tangential comment about the weather.
  • His tangential contributions to the project were not helpful.
  • Let's try to stay on topic and not get too tangential.
  • The article included a few tangential anecdotes.
  • Her tangential questions derailed the conversation.

Translations

Translations of the word "tangential" in other languages:

๐Ÿ‡ต๐Ÿ‡น tangencial

๐Ÿ‡ฎ๐Ÿ‡ณ เคธเฅเคชเคฐเฅเคถ เคฐเฅ‡เค–เฅ€เคฏ

๐Ÿ‡ฉ๐Ÿ‡ช tangential

๐Ÿ‡ฎ๐Ÿ‡ฉ tangensial

๐Ÿ‡บ๐Ÿ‡ฆ ะดะพั‚ะธั‡ะฝะธะน

๐Ÿ‡ต๐Ÿ‡ฑ styczny

๐Ÿ‡ฏ๐Ÿ‡ต ๆŽฅ็ทšใฎ

๐Ÿ‡ซ๐Ÿ‡ท tangentiel

๐Ÿ‡ช๐Ÿ‡ธ tangencial

๐Ÿ‡น๐Ÿ‡ท teฤŸetsel

๐Ÿ‡ฐ๐Ÿ‡ท ์ ‘์„ ์˜

๐Ÿ‡ธ๐Ÿ‡ฆ ู…ู…ุงุณู‘ูŠ

๐Ÿ‡จ๐Ÿ‡ฟ teฤnรฝ

๐Ÿ‡ธ๐Ÿ‡ฐ dotykovรฝ

๐Ÿ‡จ๐Ÿ‡ณ ๅˆ‡็บฟ็š„

๐Ÿ‡ธ๐Ÿ‡ฎ tangencialen

๐Ÿ‡ฎ๐Ÿ‡ธ snertill

๐Ÿ‡ฐ๐Ÿ‡ฟ ะถะฐะฝะฐัา›ะฐะฝ

๐Ÿ‡ฌ๐Ÿ‡ช แƒจแƒ”แƒฎแƒ”แƒ‘แƒ˜แƒก แƒฌแƒ แƒคแƒ˜แƒ•แƒ˜

๐Ÿ‡ฆ๐Ÿ‡ฟ tangent

๐Ÿ‡ฒ๐Ÿ‡ฝ tangencial

Etymology

The word 'tangential' originated from the Latin word 'tangentialis', which means 'touching'. In mathematics, the concept of tangential lines and velocities has been used since ancient times. The figurative use of 'tangential' to describe something slightly relevant or diverging from the main point emerged in the 19th century. Today, 'tangential' is commonly used in various fields to denote a connection that is not direct or central.

See also: tangentiality, tangentially.

Word Frequency Rank

At position #13,551, this word is part of sophisticated English vocabulary. It's useful for academic or professional contexts where precise language is needed.