Collateral Definition & Meaning

collateral
adjective
  1. descended from a common ancestor but through different lines; "cousins are collateral relatives"; "an indirect descendant of the Stuarts"
  2. serving to support or corroborate; "collateral evidence"
  3. accompany, concomitant; "collateral target damage from a bombing run"
  4. situated or running side by side; "collateral ridges of mountains"
noun
  1. a security pledged for the repayment of a loan

"Collateral" in song lyrics

See how collateral is used in real songs:

  • "We bleech through hover crafts for the collateral"
    Afu-Ra f/ A-Sun, Ca-See, Respect — Perverted Monks
  • "With an intangible hurl flammable cause collateral"
    Atoms Family — Outer Regions
  • "My Lord be my shepherd, but my swarms for collateral"
    Bizzy Bone f/ Capo Confucious, Josiah, Prince Rasu — Murdah

Usage tips for "collateral"

Understanding the precise definition of a word helps you use it with confidence. When using "collateral" in your writing, consider whether you need the word itself or one of its synonyms — subtle differences in meaning can change the tone of a sentence. If you're writing poetry or song lyrics, check the rhymes for collateral to find words that pair well.

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