Search Dictionary
Definition of tangentially

tangentially

/tænˈdʒɛn.ʃə.li/
tan · gen · tial · ly
Adjective:tangential
JUMP TO:

tangentially Lexical Profile

tangentially Game Scores & Validity

• adverb

1

In a manner that relates only slightly or indirectly to a subject or matter; peripherally or incidentally.

Example

"The witness was only tangentially involved in the dispute and could offer very few details."

2

Along a tangent, or in a direction that touches a curve or surface at a single point without intersecting it.

Example

"When the string snapped, the stone flew off tangentially from its circular path."

Synonyms
View all synonyms for tangentially
Antonyms
View all antonyms for tangentially

• Rhymes for tangentially

• Nearby Words

tangelo
tangent
tangential
tangentially
tangerine
tanggedu
tangibility

Word Origin & Etymology

Formed from the adjective tangential plus the adverbial suffix -ly, ultimately deriving from Latin tangere ('to touch'). The figurative sense of touching only slightly upon a subject arose from the geometric concept of a line that touches a curve at a single point without crossing it.

Cite this Entry

Wordmom. (2026). Definition of Tangentially. In Wordmom Dictionary. Retrieved Nov 5, 2026, from https://wordmom.com/dictionary/tangentially
Built for writers, students, and competitive word game players, Wordmom combines an uncluttered English dictionary and thesaurus with fast, pattern-based word finders so you can verify definitions, synonyms, and high-scoring tile plays in one place.
Word Games & Solvers
Word FinderScrabble Word FinderWords With Friends CheatWordle SolverAnagram Solver
Dictionary & Reference
DictionarySynonymsAntonymsWords
Community
Contact UsEditorial PolicyPrivacy PolicyTerms and Conditions
© 2016–2026 Wordmom Network. All rights reserved. Made with for word lovers everywhere.
Disclaimer: SCRABBLE® is a registered trademark. All intellectual property rights in and to the game are owned in the U.S.A. and Canada by Hasbro Inc., and throughout the rest of the world by J.W. Spear & Sons Limited of Maidenhead, Berkshire, England, a subsidiary of Mattel Inc. Mattel and Spear are not affiliated with Hasbro. Words With Friends® is a registered trademark of Zynga Inc. Wordle® is a registered trademark of The New York Times Company. Other referenced game titles and tournament lexicon codes (including NASPA NWL and WESPA/HarperCollins CSW) are trademarks of their respective owners. Wordmom is an independent reference utility for educational and entertainment purposes and is not affiliated with, sponsored by, or endorsed by Hasbro, Mattel, Spear, Zynga, The New York Times Company, NASPA, WESPA, or HarperCollins Publishers. All game names are referenced strictly under nominative fair use to indicate compatibility.