# incidental

/ˌɪnsɪˈdɛntəɫ/ (US) · /ˌɪnsɪdˈɛntəl/ (UK) · CEFR C1 · Adjective

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/incidental
Updated: 2026-05-06

## Definition

happening as a small part of something else, or by chance. It describes things that are not the main focus but still happen alongside it.

For teachers: occurring as a minor accompaniment to something else, or by chance. Often describes secondary consequences or costs that arise during a primary activity.

## Examples

- The music in the film is incidental to the story.
- While the main goal was networking, the incidental benefits of the conference included learning about new software tools.
- The researcher noted that the temperature change was merely incidental and did not significantly affect the final outcome of the chemical reaction.

## Usage notes

- Often used attributively before a noun or predicatively after a linking verb like 'be' or 'seem'.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.