incidentally 🔊
Meaning of incidentally
Used to introduce a minor or additional point or fact, often one that is not directly relevant to the main topic.
Key Difference
Unlike its synonyms, 'incidentally' often implies that the information is secondary or less important to the main discussion.
Example of incidentally
- Incidentally, the scientist who discovered penicillin, Alexander Fleming, left his lab window open by accident.
- The meeting went well; incidentally, we also finalized the budget for next year.
Synonyms
by the way 🔊
Meaning of by the way
Used to introduce a comment or question that is not directly related to the main subject.
Key Difference
'By the way' is more casual and conversational, whereas 'incidentally' can sound slightly more formal.
Example of by the way
- By the way, did you hear about the new space telescope launching next month?
- The food was great; by the way, the chef used locally sourced ingredients.
parenthetically 🔊
Meaning of parenthetically
Used to indicate that a remark is inserted as an aside or additional information.
Key Difference
'Parenthetically' is more formal and often used in written contexts, while 'incidentally' is more versatile.
Example of parenthetically
- The study, parenthetically, did not account for regional climate variations.
- He mentioned, parenthetically, that the ancient Romans built roads with remarkable precision.
in passing 🔊
Meaning of in passing
Mentioned briefly while discussing something else.
Key Difference
'In passing' suggests even less emphasis than 'incidentally,' often just a fleeting reference.
Example of in passing
- She noted in passing that the museum would close early for renovations.
- The professor mentioned in passing that Einstein struggled in school as a child.
tangentially 🔊
Meaning of tangentially
Related to a subject in an indirect or peripheral way.
Key Difference
'Tangentially' implies a looser connection to the main topic compared to 'incidentally.'
Example of tangentially
- The article discussed climate change and, tangentially, the decline of bee populations.
- His speech touched on economics and, tangentially, the history of trade routes.
as an aside 🔊
Meaning of as an aside
A remark that is not directly connected to the main subject of discussion.
Key Difference
'As an aside' is often used in spoken language to introduce a quick digression.
Example of as an aside
- As an aside, the Great Wall of China is not visible from space with the naked eye.
- He added, as an aside, that the recipe originally came from his grandmother.
on a side note 🔊
Meaning of on a side note
Used to introduce a related but less important point.
Key Difference
'On a side note' is more conversational and implies a lighter tone than 'incidentally.'
Example of on a side note
- On a side note, the new park downtown has free yoga classes on weekends.
- The project is due next week; on a side note, we should celebrate once it's done.
incidentally enough 🔊
Meaning of incidentally enough
Used to emphasize that the additional point is coincidental or noteworthy.
Key Difference
This phrase adds a layer of coincidence or irony that 'incidentally' alone does not convey.
Example of incidentally enough
- Incidentally enough, the inventor of the microwave oven discovered it by accident.
- She said she’d call later; incidentally enough, her phone rang right after.
apropos of nothing 🔊
Meaning of apropos of nothing
Introducing a topic that has no apparent connection to the current discussion.
Key Difference
More abrupt and random than 'incidentally,' often used for humorous or dramatic effect.
Example of apropos of nothing
- Apropos of nothing, did you know that octopuses have three hearts?
- He said, apropos of nothing, that he once met a famous astronaut.
by the by 🔊
Meaning of by the by
An old-fashioned or informal way to introduce an additional point.
Key Difference
More archaic and less common in modern usage compared to 'incidentally.'
Example of by the by
- By the by, the library has a rare collection of medieval manuscripts.
- The play was excellent; by the by, the lead actor is a childhood friend of mine.
Conclusion
- 'Incidentally' is perfect for smoothly introducing secondary information without disrupting the main flow.
- 'By the way' works best in casual conversations where formality is not required.
- 'Parenthetically' is ideal for academic or formal writing where precision is key.
- 'In passing' should be used when the point is so minor it barely warrants mention.
- 'Tangentially' fits when the connection to the main topic is weak but still relevant.
- 'As an aside' is great for spoken digressions or lighthearted additions.
- 'On a side note' adds a friendly, informal touch to tangential remarks.
- 'Incidentally enough' highlights a surprising or ironic coincidence.
- 'Apropos of nothing' is best for deliberately random or humorous interjections.
- 'By the by' adds a quaint or nostalgic tone to side comments.