# tangentially

**Pronunciation:** /tænˈdʒenʃəli/ · tan-JEN-shuh-lee

**CEFR level:** C1

**Part of speech:** adverb

## Meaning

In a way that relates to a subject in an indirect or irrelevant way.

## Examples

- The speaker went off tangentially on a story about his childhood.
- This point is only tangentially related to the main argument.
- He mentioned the issue tangentially during the meeting.

## Synonyms

- indirectly — In a way that is not direct or obvious.
- obliquely — In an indirect or evasive way; not in a direct manner.
- digressively — In a way that deviates from the main point or topic.
- parenthetically — As a side note or aside, often in spoken or written language.

## Antonyms

- directly — In a direct line or manner; without deviation.
- centrally — In a way that relates to the main point or subject.
- pertinently — In a way that is relevant and appropriate to the matter at hand.

## Common patterns

- tangentially related to — Connected to something in an indirect or slight way. — The film's plot was only tangentially related to the historical events it depicted.
- tangentially connected with — Linked to something in a way that is not central or direct. — Her work was tangentially connected with the development of new technologies.

## Collocations

- tangentially related — His research was only tangentially related to the main project.
- tangentially connected — The two events were tangentially connected through a mutual acquaintance.
- tangentially relevant — The anecdote was tangentially relevant to the topic of discussion.

Canonical URL: https://anaversity.com/dictionary/english/tangentially

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