Daily Word • Learn, play, and grow your vocabulary
'Incidental' means occurring as a minor consequence of something else. Think of the 'incidental' expenses 🧾 you incur while traveling, like snacks or souvenirs. It suggests a secondary or less important effect. It's similar to 'accidental,' but less about chance and more about minor consequences. The opposite is 'essential' or 'primary'. It often describes things that are not planned or intended but still occur.
'Incidental' comes from the Latin 'incidens,' the present participle of 'incidere,' meaning 'to fall upon' or 'to occur.' 'In-' means 'on' or 'upon,' and 'cadere' means 'to fall.' The idea is that the 'incidental' thing falls upon or occurs in connection with something else, but is not central to it. The root 'cadere' is also found in 'accident.'
In many adventure movies, like 'Indiana Jones,' there are often 'incidental' discoveries made while searching for the main artifact. They may stumble upon a hidden passage or find a clue that wasn't originally sought. The director includes all these small details. These things add to the story but aren't crucial to the main plot.
'Incidental' is a useful word for describing minor consequences. Use it in your essays and conversations to sound precise. It's a great addition to your vocabulary. Keep expanding your word power! 💪
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