tangentially — in a way that relates only slightly to a matter; peripherally
Part of speech: ADVERB
Definition: in a way that relates only slightly to a matter; peripherally
Pronunciation (IPA): /tænˈdʒenʃəli/
Example Sentences
- My boss mentioned my salary tangentially while complaining about coffee prices.
- The movie is only tangentially based on a true story - basically just the main character's name is real.
- His research on penguin behavior is tangentially related to climate change studies.
tangentially
ADVERB[/tænˈdʒenʃəli/]
in a way that relates only slightly to a matter; peripherally
Slightly related involvement
Tangentially exploring what's potentially essential
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🎤Pronunciation
🌳Etymology
Origin
Derived from Latin tangere meaning 'to touch'. The word evolved through the mathematical concept of a tangent line, which touches a curve at exactly one point. The meaning later extended metaphorically to describe something that merely grazes or peripherally relates to a central subject, rather than directly engaging with it.
Breakdown
tangent- (from Latin tangere, 'to touch') + -ial (adjective-forming suffix meaning 'of or relating to') + -ly (adverb-forming suffix). The morphological progression moves from the Latin root through the mathematical noun tangent, to the adjective tangential, to the adverbial form tangentially.
🎵Rhyme
🔗Collocations
📝Examples
“My boss mentioned my salary tangentially while complaining about coffee prices.”
“The movie is only tangentially based on a true story - basically just the main character's name is real.”
“His research on penguin behavior is tangentially related to climate change studies.”
“She only tangentially participated in the group project by sending one emoji reaction.”
📚Related Words
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