The word "incidental" is spelled with the letter combination "ci" that can be pronounced in different ways. Here, it is pronounced as /sɪ/ like in "sin" or "sit". The stress falls on the second syllable, which is marked with a line: /ɪn.sɪ.'dɛn.tl/. This word means something that happens by chance or as a secondary consequence. It is often used to describe something that is not essential or important, but still exists or occurs in relation to something else.
The term "incidental" refers to something that is not the main focus or purpose, but rather an ancillary or secondary component or consequence. It is an adjective used to describe events, objects, or circumstances that occur in connection with or as a side effect of a primary or intended action or situation.
In this context, "incidental" often implies something occurring by chance or without much significance. It suggests that the occurrence is not planned or essential, but rather happens as a byproduct or tangential result. The notion of something being incidental implies that it is not crucial or central to the matter at hand, but rather an accompanying feature or element.
Moreover, "incidental" can also refer to additional or supplemental expenses or costs that are not part of the main or primary expenditure. It denotes expenses that are secondary, auxiliary, or supplementary to the core expense, often arising unexpectedly or unexpectedly.
Overall, the term "incidental" encapsulates the idea of something occurring in connection with or alongside a primary action or context, but not being of primary importance or relevance. It connotes a secondary or accidental nature, indicating a lack of central focus or significance in relation to the primary matter.
1. Of the nature of an incident or happening, not occurring regularly. 2. Afferent.
A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.
Coming without design; casual; occasional; not intended.
Etymological and pronouncing dictionary of the English language. By Stormonth, James, Phelp, P. H. Published 1874.
* The statistics data for these misspellings percentages are collected from over 15,411,110 spell check sessions on www.spellchecker.net from Jan 2010 - Jun 2012.
The word "incidental" has its origins in the Latin word "incidentalis" which is derived from "incidentia". "Incidentia" is a noun form of the Latin verb "incidere", which means "to happen" or "to fall upon". The prefix "in-" in Latin means "upon" or "in". Thus, "incidentia" can be translated as "something that happens upon" or "something that falls upon".
The word was later borrowed into Old French as "incidentel" and then entered Middle English around the 15th century as "incidentall". Over time, the spelling changed to its current form "incidental", while retaining its original meaning of something that is not essential or primary, but rather something that happens by chance or as a subordinate part.