The meaning of TANGENTIAL is touching lightly : incidental, peripheral; also : of little relevance. How to use tangential in a sentence. Tangential Has Mathematical Roots.

Aug 26, 2025 · "Tangential" is an adjective that originates from the Latin word tangere, meaning “to touch.” The term is often used to describe something that is related indirectly or only slightly relevant …

TANGENTIAL definition: pertaining to or of the nature of a tangent; being or moving in the direction of a tangent. See examples of tangential used in a sentence.

Add to word list (of a subject or activity) different than the one you are talking about or doing: a tangential issue (Definition of tangential from the Cambridge Academic Content Dictionary © …

Loosely or slightly connected to the main topic, idea, or conversation. See example sentences, synonyms, and etymology for the adjective tangential.

If you describe something as tangential, you mean that it has only a slight or indirect connection with the thing you are concerned with, and is therefore not worth considering seriously.

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.

divergent or digressive, as from a subject under consideration: tangential remarks. tending to digress or to reply to questions obliquely. Also, tan•gen•tal (tan jen′ tl). tan•gen′ti•al′i•ty, n. Mathematics a line or …

Tangential means something that goes off in one direction that way and doesn't return. People can feel tangential — as though they're inessential and not relevant to a larger group.

tangential: Of, relating to, or moving along or in the direction of a tangent.