tangent Definition
- 1a straight line or plane that touches a curve or curved surface at a single point, but if extended does not cross it at that point.
- 2a completely different line of thought or action
Using tangent: Examples
Take a moment to familiarize yourself with how "tangent" can be used in various situations through the following examples!
Example
The tangent to the circle at point P passes through the center of the circle.
Example
The conversation went off on a tangent and we never got back to the main topic.
Example
I was trying to focus on my work, but my mind kept going off on tangents.
tangent Synonyms and Antonyms
Phrases with tangent
Example
He tends to go off on tangents when he's telling a story.
a statement or idea that is related to the truth but not directly connected to it
Example
His comments were interesting, but they were mostly tangents to the truth.
Example
She was on a tangent about her new project and couldn't stop talking about it.
Origins of tangent
from Latin 'tangere', meaning 'to touch'
Summary: tangent in Brief
The term 'tangent' [ˈtæn.dʒənt] has two main meanings. The first refers to a straight line or plane that touches a curve or curved surface at a single point without crossing it. The second meaning refers to a completely different line of thought or action, often used in the phrase 'go off on a tangent.' 'Tangent' is also used in phrases like 'tangent to the truth,' and 'on a tangent,' which denotes excitement or enthusiasm.
