Tangential: meaning, definitions and examples

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tangential

[ tanˈdʒɛnʃəl ]

^{Context #1}

mathematics

relating to or along a tangent; diverging or digressing

Synonyms

digressing, diverging, off topic

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}

general

only slightly relevant or connected; diverging from the main point

Synonyms

irrelevant, off topic, sidetracked

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:

🇵🇹 tangencial

🇮🇳 स्पर्श रेखीय

🇩🇪 tangential

🇮🇩 tangensial

🇺🇦 дотичний

🇵🇱 styczny

🇯🇵 接線の

🇫🇷 tangentiel

🇪🇸 tangencial

🇹🇷 teğetsel

🇰🇷 접선의

🇸🇦 مماسّي

🇨🇿 tečný

🇸🇰 dotykový

🇨🇳 切线的

🇸🇮 tangencialen

🇮🇸 snertill

🇰🇿 жанасқан

🇬🇪 შეხების წრფივი

🇦🇿 tangent

🇲🇽 tangencial

Word origin

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.