zijdelings

Zijdelings is a Dutch adverb (and less commonly an adjective) used to describe something that is to the side, sideways, or in a lateral position. It can also indicate that something is not central to a matter but related in a secondary or tangential way. In spatial contexts, it denotes movement or placement along the side; in figurative usage, it signals incidental or peripheral relevance.

Examples in use include: "De auto schoof zijdelings langs de muur" (The car slid sideways along the wall). "Het onderwerp is zijdelings relevant voor dit onderzoek" (The topic is tangentially relevant to this study). "Tijdens de vergadering noemde hij het zijdelings" (He mentioned it tangentially during the meeting). In everyday language zijdelings often conveys that a remark or consideration is not the main point.

Etymology and related terms: zijdelings derives from the Dutch concept of zijde or zij, meaning side, with an affix that forms an adverb describing a sideward or peripheral manner. Related expressions include zijwaarts, which more specifically denotes a direct lateral movement, and tangentiëel or tangentsiaal, used in formal contexts to express tangential relevance. Zijdelings thus covers both concrete, physical orientation and abstract, contextual shifts away from the main topic.

In summary, zijdelings is a versatile Dutch term used for sidewise positioning and for describing indirect or incidental relevance, with common uses in everyday speech and more formal writing.