Words / C2

tan-JENSHL/tænˈdʒenʃl/

Tangential means only slightly connected with the matter in hand; also of a tangent in geometry: a tangential remark, tangential to the brief. Irrelevant is everyday and stronger; a non sequitur (already in the dictionary) is a conclusion that does not follow. Tangible (already in the dictionary) is a lookalike — touchable, real. Do not file a methods comment as tangential to park it.

Meaning

Only slightly connected with the matter in hand; also of a tangent.

Examples

• “A tangential anecdote is not a methods comment.”
• “Irrelevant is everyday and harsher. Peripheral is close. A non sequitur does not follow (already in C2). Tangible is real to the touch (already in the dictionary) — the mix-up. A dinner story can wait. An empty n is on the point. Table the cell; save the yarn.”

Good to know

Only marginally related. Everyday: off-topic / slightly related. Mix-up: tangible (real — already in this dictionary). Contrast: non sequitur (does not follow — already in C2). An anecdote is not an n.

Near in meaning

irrelevant

New