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

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.

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.

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.

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. "Her tangential remarks in the meeting didn't contribute to the main discussion."

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

TANGENTIAL meaning: 1 : slightly or indirectly related to something not closely connected to something; 2 : relating to a tangent in or along a tangent

Definition of tangential adjective in Oxford Advanced Learner's Dictionary. Meaning, pronunciation, picture, example sentences, grammar, usage notes, synonyms and more.