# tangential

/tænˈdʒɛnʃəɫ/ (US) · /tændʒˈɛnʃəl/ (UK) · CEFR C1 · Adjective

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/tangential
Updated: 2026-05-30

## Definition

not directly related to the main topic or subject. You use this to describe something that touches on a subject but doesn't go into it deeply.

For teachers: relating to or touching a subject only on the edge; not directly connected to the main point. Often describes a line of thought or a piece of information that diverges from the central theme.

## Examples

- The speaker made several tangential comments about the weather.
- While the main report focuses on economic growth, the appendix contains several tangential observations about local culture.
- The author's style often involves tangential digressions that, while seemingly unrelated to the plot, eventually provide the necessary emotional depth for the protagonist's final decision.

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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.