Incidental

Pronunciation: /ˌɪnsəˈdɛntl/

Definitions of incidental

adjective describing something that is secondary or minor in importance; occurring as a minor consequence of something else

Example Sentences

A1 The color of the walls is an incidental detail in the overall design.

A2 The noise from the construction site was just an incidental annoyance.

B1 Her comment about the weather was purely incidental to the main topic of discussion.

B2 The incidental music in the movie added to the emotional impact of the scene.

C1 The incidental expenses of the project were carefully accounted for in the budget.

C2 The incidental contact with the CEO led to a lucrative business deal for the company.

Examples of incidental in a Sentence

formal The incidental expenses were not included in the initial budget.

informal I didn't realize there would be so many incidental costs involved.

slang I hate when random incidental stuff comes up and ruins my plans.

figurative His words were like incidental background noise, easily ignored.

Grammatical Forms of incidental

• past tense: incided
• plural: incidentals
• comparative: more incidental
• superlative: most incidental
• present tense: incidentally
• future tense: will be incidental
• perfect tense: has been incidental
• continuous tense: is being incidental
• singular: incidental
• positive degree: incidental
• infinitive: to be incidental
• gerund: incidentally
• participle: incidental

Origin and Evolution of incidental

First Known Use: 1601 year

Language of Origin: Latin

Story behind the word: The word 'incidental' originated from the Latin word 'incidentalis', which is derived from the verb 'incidere' meaning 'to fall upon' or 'to happen'.

Evolution of the word: Originally used in English to describe something that happens as a minor consequence or accompaniment, the word 'incidental' has evolved to also refer to something that is secondary or not essential to the main purpose or topic.