Words / C1

ins-i-DENTL/ˌɪnsɪˈdentl/

Incidental means happening as a minor accompaniment, not as the main point: incidental music, incidental costs. Minor (already in the dictionary) is everyday; central sits opposite. Foyer music is not a sampling frame.

Meaning

Happening as a minor accompaniment, not as the main point.

Examples

• “Incidental foyer music is not a sampling frame; name the slice.”
• “Secondary is the close twin. Peripheral is a cousin. Music is décor. A named slice is methods. Write the slice; keep the playlist for the stairs.”

Good to know

Secondary; not the main thing. Close: secondary. Foyer music ≠ a frame.

Near in meaning

secondary, peripheral, ancillary

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