Words / C1

p-uh-RIF-uh-r-uh-l/pəˈrɪfərəl/

Peripheral means not central, or at the edge: a peripheral issue, peripheral vision. Also a computer peripheral (noun: mouse, drive). Minor and edge are everyday. Peril is danger — a lookalike. Do not call a fire exit peripheral.

Meaning

Not as important as the main issue; also at the edge of something.

Examples

• “The colour of the lanyard is peripheral; the fire door is not.”
• “Lanyard colour is peripheral; the blocked fire door is not.”
• “Minor is everyday. Peripheral vision is the edge of sight. A USB drive is a peripheral (noun). Peril is danger. Safety kit is never “peripheral” in a report.”

Good to know

On the edge; not central. Everyday: minor. Noun (IT): a peripheral. Mix-up: peril (danger). A fire door is not peripheral.

Near in meaning

minor

New