INCIDENTALS - Definition & Meaning for Kids

Meaning 1

Part of speech: Adjective (satellite)

occurring with or following as a consequence

Example: an excessive growth of bureaucracy, with attendant problems; snags incidental to the changeover in management; attendant circumstances; the period of tension and consequent need for military preparedness; the ensuant response to his appeal; the resultant savings were considerable; collateral target damage from a bombing run

Meaning 2

Part of speech: Adjective

(sometimes followed by `to') minor or casual or subordinate in significance or nature or occurring as a chance concomitant or consequence

Example: incidental expenses; the road will bring other incidental advantages; extra duties incidental to the job; labor problems incidental to a rapid expansion; confusion incidental to a quick change

Meaning 3

Part of speech: Adjective (satellite)

not of prime or central importance

Example: nonessential to the integral meanings of poetry"- Pubs.MLA; the character's motives remain accidental to the plot

Meaning 4

Part of speech: Noun

(frequently plural) an expense not budgeted or not specified

Example: he requested reimbursement of $7 for incidental expenses

Meaning 5

Part of speech: Noun

an item that is incidental