incidental subject

[ɪn.sɪˈden.təl ˈsʌb.dʒɪkt]
nounpl: incidental subjects
assunto incidental
1. A topic or matter that arises unexpectedly or secondarily during a discussion, conversation, or legal proceeding, rather than being the primary focus
During the meeting about budget cuts, the incidental subject of workplace morale came up briefly.
Durante a reunião sobre cortes orçamentários, o assunto incidental do moral dos funcionários surgiu brevemente.
2. In grammar or logic, a subject that is mentioned or addressed in passing, without being central to the main argument or narrative
The author touches on an incidental subject regarding historical context before returning to the main narrative.
O autor toca em um assunto incidental sobre contexto histórico antes de retornar à narrativa principal.
3. In legal contexts, a secondary matter or claim that is brought up alongside a primary case or issue
The judge decided to hear the incidental subject of damages in addition to the main lawsuit.
O juiz decidiu ouvir o assunto incidental sobre indenizações além da ação principal.
The term 'incidental subject' is commonly used in Brazilian and American legal, academic, and professional settings to distinguish between primary and secondary matters under discussion. In Portugal, legal professionals may prefer the term 'matéria acessória' when discussing court matters. The concept reflects organizational thinking about hierarchizing information and topics in formal discourse.
Synonyms / Sinônimos
secondary topicside issuetangential mattercollateral subjectperipheral topic
Antonyms / Antônimos
main subjectprimary topicprincipal mattercore issuecentral focus

Regional Variations

General Brazilian
assunto incidental
Standard usage in formal and informal contexts
São Paulo
assunto incidental / matéria incidental
Common in business and legal contexts
Rio de Janeiro
assunto incidental
Standard usage, sometimes simplified to 'assunto lateral'
Portugal
assunto incidental / matéria acessória
Legal term preference for 'matéria acessória' in judicial contexts

Related Words

incidentalsubject mattermain subjectcollateraltangentialancillarysecondary

Related Idioms & Phrases

by the way (incidental mention)
as a side note
by and large
as an aside
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