tangential (C1)

adjective

Pronunciation: tænˈdʒɛnʃəl

Definition

Relating to or moving along a tangent; only slightly connected to a main subject or idea.

Examples

• The speaker's remarks were interesting but ultimately tangential to the core issue of the debate.

• We need to stick to the agenda and avoid any tangential discussions that might waste time.

• His comments about his cat were completely tangential to the serious business at hand.

How to Use tangential

tangential to (prepositional phrase)

Only slightly related to something else. — "The new policy is tangential to the company's original mission."

Synonyms of tangential

Words with a similar meaning to tangential:

• incidental
• peripheral
• digressive
• extraneous

Antonyms of tangential

Words with the opposite meaning to tangential:

• central
• relevant
• core

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