French translation of
tangent
is
tangente
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Meaning of "tangent" in English
The term "tangent" primarily refers to a straight line or plane that touches a curve or curved surface at a point but does not cross it at that point. In mathematics, it is often associated with the concept of tangency, where a line meets a curve or surface at just one point. The word can also be used metaphorically to describe a sudden diversion of thought or action that departs from the main topic or trajectory. In everyday language, saying someone "went off on a tangent" implies they digressed from the central theme of a discussion.
Meaning of "tangente" in French
In French, "tangente" carries a similar definition to its English counterpart. It describes a straight line or plane that touches a curve or a surface at a single point without intersecting it. The use of "tangente" is common in mathematical contexts, discussing points of tangency where a curve and a line meet precisely at one spot. The term is also employed metaphorically to indicate a deviation from the main topic in conversation, highlighting a shift towards a non-sequential or unrelated subject. This captures both the literal and figurative uses of the term.
Pronunciation of "tangent" in English
Phonetic Transcription: [ˈtæn.dʒənt]
Pronunciation Variations: In American English, "tangent" is typically pronounced with a short "a," whereas in British English, the pronunciation is largely similar but may vary slightly depending on regional accents.
Pronunciation of "tangente" in French
Phonetic Transcription: [tɑ̃.ʒɑ̃t]
Pronunciation Variations: The pronunciation of "tangente" remains relatively consistent across France. Regional accents might influence the nasal sounds slightly, but differences are minimal and generally not significant.
Sentence examples in English and translation to French
-
The line is tangent to the circle at point A.
(La ligne est tangente au cercle au point A.) -
During the meeting, she went on a tangent about her recent vacation.
(Pendant la réunion, elle a fait une digression sur ses récentes vacances.) -
A tangent plane touches the sphere at exactly one point.
(Un plan tangent touche la sphère en un seul point.) -
His explanation went off on a tangent that confused everyone.
(Son explication s'est égarée sur une tangente qui a dérouté tout le monde.) -
The curve and its tangent have the same slope at the point of contact.
(La courbe et sa tangente ont la même pente au point de contact.) -
She started on the main topic but quickly took a tangent.
(Elle a commencé sur le sujet principal mais a rapidement pris une tangente.) -
Finding a tangent line requires understanding derivatives.
(Trouver une ligne tangente nécessite de comprendre les dérivées.) -
The mathematician explained how to draw a tangent to a curve.
(Le mathématicien a expliqué comment tracer une tangente à une courbe.) -
They explored tangential topics during their discussion.
(Ils ont exploré des sujets tangents pendant leur discussion.) -
He often thinks of new ideas when he allows his mind to go on tangents.
(Il pense souvent à de nouvelles idées lorsqu'il laisse son esprit vagabonder sur des tangentes.)
Synonyms, antonyms, and similar words for "tangent" in English
Synonyms: digression, divergence, deviation, aside, offshoot.
Antonyms: focus, centrality, alignment, consistency, conformity.
Similar Words: tangent line, contact, touching, approach, brush.
Synonyms, antonyms, and similar words for "tangente" in French
Synonyms: digression, déviation, divergence, écart, aparté.
Antonyms: centre, alignement, focus, cohérence, continuité.
Similar Words: ligne tangente, contact, toucher, approche, frôlement.
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