Incidental
ˌɪnsɪˈdentəl
Definitions
2 meaningsHappening as a minor accompaniment; not of prime importance.
ˌɪnsɪˈdentəl
Happening as a minor consequence
The rain was incidental to our outdoor concert; it didn't stop the show.
💡 Simply: Like when you're buying a toy, and the batteries are the extra, *incidental* cost. They're not the main thing, but you need them to make the toy work.
👶 For kids: Something that happens that's not very important, like a little surprise.
More Examples
Incidental details of the crime scene were overlooked by the untrained observer.
The company offered incidental training to employees as needed.
How It's Used
"The cost of the trip was more than the incidental expenses."
"Incidental costs can often be overlooked in budgeting."
Likely to happen, especially as a result of something else.
ˌɪnsɪˈdentəl
Liable to happen as a result of or in connection with something else.
The side effects were incidental to the main benefit of the medication.
💡 Simply: Imagine you're baking a cake (the main thing), and you accidentally make some extra batter that spills over (incidental).
👶 For kids: Something that might happen because of something else.
More Examples
Any increase in crime was considered incidental to the economic downturn.
The judge ruled the evidence was found incidentally during the investigation.
How It's Used
"The search warrant allowed for the incidental discovery of other evidence."
"Incidental findings during a routine scan can sometimes lead to further investigation."
Synonyms & Antonyms
From Late Latin *incidentalis*, meaning 'liable to happen, belonging to, or connected with something else', derived from Latin *incidere* ('to fall upon, happen'), from *in-* ('on') + *cadere* ('to fall').
The term 'incidental' has been used since the 17th century, often in legal and philosophical contexts to describe events that follow from or are secondary to primary actions or decisions.
Memory tip
Think of something that 'falls in' alongside the main event – it's not the main thing, but it's there.
Word Origin
"to fall upon, to happen"