Tangential synonym,synonyms of tangential

1. Incidental

Lack of Centrality: Both “tangential” and “incidental” describe something that is not directly relevant or central to the main matter at hand. When a topic is tangential, it touches upon the main subject only slightly or indirectly. Similarly, an incidental matter is secondary or not essential to the core issue. For example, in a business meeting discussing a new product launch, if someone brings up the color of the office walls, it is a tangential or incidental point. It has little to do with the crucial aspects of the product launch like market research, pricing, or marketing strategies.
Usage in Describing Side - Issues: They are often used to identify and categorize elements that are off - topic or peripheral. In a research paper, a writer might mention some tangential or incidental findings. These are results that, while related to the research in some way, are not fundamental to the main conclusions. For instance, a study on the effects of a new teaching method on student performance might incidentally note some changes in classroom behavior that are tangential to the core focus on academic achievement.

Degree of Relevance: “Incidental” can sometimes imply a more accidental or by - the - way nature. It suggests that the thing being described came about or was noticed almost by chance in relation to the main thing. For example, while on a hike focused on bird - watching, you might incidentally see a rare plant. It was not the purpose of your hike, and its discovery was somewhat accidental. “Tangential,” on the other hand, often emphasizes a more tenuous connection. It's as if the tangential element is just touching the edge of the main topic, perhaps through a loose association, but not by accident. In a discussion about global warming, a mention of a small - scale local weather event that has a very weak link to the broader climate change trends would be tangential.
Connotation in Different Contexts: “Tangential” is commonly used in academic, technical, or formal discussions where the focus is on maintaining a clear line of argument or analysis. Deviating into tangential points can disrupt the flow of a presentation or a written piece. “Incidental,” however, can be used in a wider range of contexts, including more casual conversations. You might say, in a chat with a friend about your day at work, that you had an incidental encounter with an old acquaintance. Here, “incidental” gives a sense of the encounter being a minor, unplanned part of your day.

Marginal Nature: “Tangential,” “incidental,” and “peripheral” all convey the idea of something being on the margins or edges of a central concept, activity, or subject. They are used to describe elements that are not at the heart of the matter. For example, in a company's operations, the tasks of the office cleaning staff are peripheral, incidental, or tangential to the core business activities like product development or sales. These tasks are necessary but not the main focus of the company's efforts.
Impact on the Main Thing: All three terms imply that the described element has a relatively minor impact on the central aspect. In a scientific experiment, there may be peripheral, tangential, or incidental factors that could potentially influence the results but are not the primary variables being studied. For instance, the ambient temperature in a laboratory might be a tangential/peripheral/incidental factor in an experiment focused on the chemical reactions of a substance under specific pressure conditions.

Spatial and Structural Connotation: “Peripheral” often has a more spatial or structural connotation. It can be used to describe something that is physically or conceptually located on the outer edges. In a city, the suburbs are peripheral to the city center. In a corporate structure, departments that support the main business functions but are not directly involved in revenue - generating activities can be considered peripheral. This term gives a sense of a more defined position relative to the center.
Degree of Importance: “Peripheral” generally suggests a lower level of importance compared to “tangential” in some contexts. While tangential points may still have some loose connection and potentially more significance to the main topic, peripheral elements are clearly more on the fringes. For example, in a historical analysis of a major battle, the stories of the local villagers who witnessed the battle from afar are more peripheral, while tangential aspects like the small - scale skirmishes that preceded the main battle might still be more relevant to understanding the overall event. “Incidental,” as we've seen, has a more accidental connotation and can be used in a wider range of contexts, not always related to the idea of a defined structure or position like “peripheral.”