What does incidentally mean?
Incidentally is an adverb with two closely related uses. At its most common, it introduces a side remark: “Incidentally, we have already discussed this before.” In this function, it signals that the following information is relevant but not central to the conversation. It can also describe something occurring as a secondary or indirect consequence, as in “The change incidentally affected several other systems.” The word is neutral in tone and is common in both formal and informal English. It is related to the adjective incidental, meaning connected with something else but not its main purpose. Although it is sometimes confused with accidentally, incidentally does not necessarily imply that a result was unwanted or unintended; it more precisely emphasizes an incidental, secondary, or accompanying occurrence.
adverbBy the way; as a side note or additional remark. It can also mean as a result of something else, often in an unexpected or secondary way.
- Introduces a side remark, an additional observation, or a related point that is not the main subject of discussion.
- Occurs as a result of something else, especially in an indirect, secondary, or unexpected way.
"Incidentally, the meeting has been moved to Friday afternoon."
"Incidentally, I saw your colleague yesterday and she asked about the project."
"The new rule incidentally reduced the number of applications processed by the department."
Incidentally can do double duty: it may mean “by the way” or point out an unexpected side effect.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does incidentally come from?
The word comes through the Latin adjective incidentalis, meaning “happening as a side effect” or “accompanying.” That form is connected with Latin incidere, “to fall upon, meet with, or happen.” In English, incidental developed from this older sense before incidentally became an adverb. The related words incident, incidence, and accident also reflect Latin forms based on the same verbal roots, although their modern meanings have diverged.
Related word forms
How incidentally is actually used
In its first sense, incidentally is a neutral discourse marker used to introduce a related but secondary point. In its second sense, it is often used where the result is not the main intention or subject of the sentence.
Easily confused with incidentally
Accidentally emphasizes an unintended result, whereas incidentally can introduce a side remark or refer to a secondary consequence.