Incidentally
/ˌɪnsɪˈdentəli/
Definitions
By the way; used to introduce a comment or subject that is only slightly connected to the main topic.
/ˌɪnsɪˈdentəli/
Used to introduce a topic that is only indirectly related to the main subject.
Incidentally, did you remember to lock the door?
💡 Simply: Imagine you're chatting about something, and then suddenly a related thought pops into your head. 'Incidentally' is like saying, 'Oh, by the way...' and then sharing that new thought!
👶 For kids: It's like saying 'oh, by the way' to tell something that's a little bit related to what you were talking about.
More Examples
I was talking about the weather, and incidentally, I saw a rainbow this morning.
Incidentally, the book I mentioned is available online.
How It's Used
"During our discussion about the project, incidentally, have you seen the latest sales figures?"
"The author, incidentally, was a renowned expert in the field."
Idioms & expressions
Incidentally, I...
Used to begin a sentence, introducing a related but less important piece of information.
"Incidentally, I saw your friend at the store today."
From 'incident' + '-ally'. 'Incident' comes from Latin 'incidere' meaning 'to fall upon' or 'happen'. The '-ally' suffix creates an adverb.
Used since the late 17th century, initially as a legal term to indicate something happening alongside a principal matter.
Memory tip
Think of an 'incident' that pops up unexpectedly. 'Incidentally' is like an unexpected point in the conversation.