1. in a way that is only slightly connected or related to something
2. in a way that touches or approaches something at a single point without crossing it
Usage: mathematics; geometry

Examples

• The speaker mentioned the budget crisis only tangentially during his presentation.
• Her research on climate change relates tangentially to our water conservation project.
• The two topics are tangentially connected through their shared historical context.
• He answered the question tangentially, never addressing the main point.
• The line intersects the circle tangentially at exactly one point.
• The discussion touched tangentially on several important issues but explored none in depth.