Incidentally is a word that's often misspelled as "incidently." The correct spelling of this adverb is with an "a" in the middle, not an "e." The IPA transcription of the correct pronunciation is /ɪnˈsɪdəntli/. The first syllable is pronounced with a short "i" sound, followed by the stress on the second syllable. The final syllable is pronounced with an "ee" sound, rather than an "-ee" sound as the incorrect spelling would suggest.
"Incidentally" is an adverb used to introduce additional information or a side remark that is only tangentially related to the main topic or subject being discussed. It serves to provide incidental or supplementary information, often in a casual or offhand manner, without being the primary focus of conversation.
Derived from the word "incidental," which means occurring as a minor consequence or secondary to something else, "incidentally" is used to link an incidental observation or comment to the ongoing discussion. It typically denotes a slight shift in topic or offers an interesting side note that may not directly contribute to the main point but is relevant enough to be mentioned.
For example, if someone is describing their recent trip to Paris, they may say, "Paris is known for its beautiful architecture and world-renowned museums. Incidentally, did you know that the Eiffel Tower was initially designed as a temporary structure for the 1889 World's Fair?"
In this context, "incidentally" is employed to introduce an interesting tidbit about the topic at hand, the Eiffel Tower, which is relevant to the larger subject of Paris, but not essential to the main discussion about the city's attractions.
Overall, "incidentally" acts as a connector between the main narrative and an ancillary detail, adding depth or capturing attention without derailing the primary focus of the conversation or text.
The word Incidentally is derived from the Latin word incidens (present participle of the verb incidere), which means falling upon or happening by chance. It is formed by combining the prefix in- (meaning upon or into) and the verb cadere (meaning to fall). Over time, the Latin word evolved into Old French as incident, which then entered the English language in the 15th century. The addition of the suffix -ally transforms the adjective incident into the adverb incidentally, meaning happening as a minor or secondary occurrence or by the way.