tangential

[ tan-jen-shuhl ]

adjective

1. pertaining to or of the nature of a tangent; being or moving in the direction of a tangent.
2. merely touching; slightly connected:

   tangential information.

3. divergent or digressive, as from a subject under consideration:

   tangential remarks.

4. tending to digress or to reply to questions obliquely.

tangential

/ tænˈdʒɛnʃəl /

adjective

1. of, being, relating to, or in the direction of a tangent
2. Alsotransverse astronomy (of velocity) in a direction perpendicular to the line of sight of a celestial object Compare radial
3. of superficial relevance only; digressive

Derived Forms

• tanˌgentiˈality, noun
• tanˈgentially, adverb

Other Words From

• tan·gen·ti·al·i·ty [tan-jen-tee-, al, -i-tee], noun
• tan·gen·tial·ly adverb
• non·tan·gen·tial adjective
• un·tan·gen·tial adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of tangential¹

First recorded in 1620–30; tangent + -ial

Example Sentences

Basically, Trump's thinking has become so tangential that he's really not able to answer a question in a way that's responsive to the question being asked.

From Salon

“There’s a tangential connection there, but I don’t know the exact story,” McLeod caveats.

From Los Angeles Times

What makes it all work is that the scientific commentary is tangential.

From Los Angeles Times

Trump’s meandering replies consisted of the usual grab-bag of tangential anecdotes and endless grievances, his interviewer repeatedly forced to keep him on track by reminding him of the topic he was supposed to be discussing.

From Salon

His meandering public speeches have, in recent months, grown longer, more tangential, and darker in tone.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• extraneous
• unrelated