tangential

The definition of tangential is something only partially related to a main point, or something that verges slightly off-course.

(adjective)

An example of tangential is when you are talking about global warming and you veer off into a discussion of other environmental subjects that aren't directly related to global warming.

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See tangential in Webster's New World College Dictionary

adjective

  1. of, like, or in the direction of a tangent
  2. drawn as a tangent
  3. going off at a tangent; diverging or digressing
  4. merely touching a subject, not dealing with it at length

Related Forms:

See tangential in American Heritage Dictionary 4

adjective
  1. Of, relating to, or moving along or in the direction of a tangent.
  2. Merely touching or slightly connected.
  3. Only superficially relevant; divergent: a tangential remark.

Related Forms:

  • tan·genˌti·alˈi·ty (-shē-ălˈĭ-tē) noun
  • tan·genˈtial·ly adverb

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