Tangentálisan

Tangentálisan is a Hungarian adverb derived from the word "tangens," referring to the trigonometric function or a tangent line. In everyday language, it means indirectly, obliquely, or in a tangential manner. Something that is discussed tangentally is not the main subject but is related to it in a side or peripheral way. For example, during a conversation about a historical event, a speaker might mention a related social trend tangentally, without delving deeply into the trend itself.

The term is often used to describe a point or idea that touches upon a larger topic without fully engaging with it. It implies a connection that is present but not central or direct. In a literary context, a subplot might be explored tangentally to the main narrative. In mathematics, a tangent line touches a curve at a single point without crossing it, and this geometric concept informs the adverbial usage. It suggests a glancing contact or a related but separate discussion. The word conveys a sense of being close to the subject but not intimately involved.