
Incidental
Happening as a minor or accompanying part; not essential to the main purpose, or arising as a secondary consequence or accessory.
adjectiveIncidental
Happening as a minor or accompanying part; not essential to the main purpose, or arising as a secondary consequence or accessory.
adjective
Imagine This
Imagine you're planning a birthday party. The cake is the main focus, but a frisbee game in the backyard is incidental to the planβfun, but not essential.
Sounds Like
in-suh-DEN-tl
Looks Like
Looks like 'incident' with an -al ending; may be confused with the noun 'incident'.
Remember This
Incidental is often used for costs, events, or details that are secondary to the main purpose.
Other Forms
Connect With
secondary, peripheral, ancillary, accompanying, incidental expenses
Note
Distinguish incidental from essential or primary. Do not confuse with 'incident' (an event) or 'accidental' (happening by chance).
