causality
Americannoun
-
the relation of cause and effect.
The result is the same, however differently the causality is interpreted.
-
causal quality or agency.
noun
-
-
the relationship of cause and effect
-
the principle that nothing can happen without being caused
-
-
causal agency or quality
Other Word Forms
Etymology
Origin of causality
Explanation
Causality is the connection between a cause and its result or consequence. It is sometimes hard to figure out the causality of a stomach ache — it could be due to something you ate, or just a result of stress. You'll often find the word causality in scholarly or academic writing. Medical researchers might talk about the causality of various diseases, and a sociologist might study the causality of a childhood in poverty on future trouble in school. This noun comes from the adjective causal, "acting as a cause," from a Latin root, causa, or "cause."
Vocabulary lists containing causality
"Simon's Saga," Vocabulary from Episode 32
Looking to grow your vocabulary? Check out this interactive, curated word list from our team of English language specialists at Vocabulary.com – one of over 17,000 lists we've built to help learners worldwide!
Cosmos
Interested in learning more words like this one? Our team at Vocabulary.com has got you covered! You can review flashcards, quiz yourself, practice spelling, and more – and it's all completely free to use!
The Miscalculations of Lightning Girl
Want to remember this word for good? Start your learning journey today with our library of interactive, themed word lists built by the experts at Vocabulary.com – we'll help you make the most of your study time!
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
The researchers say these findings show an association, not direct causality.
From The Wall Street Journal • May 21, 2026
Now, “the arrow of causality has flipped” on the view that “AI is killing the jobs first, and that’s what’s making the economy sick.”
From MarketWatch • Feb. 27, 2026
His recent writings in The Wall Street Journal External link , however, exhibit a confidence about money growth and balance sheet causality that exceeds the humility he has emphasized in the past.
From Barron's • Feb. 1, 2026
A paper listed as support for the myocarditis threat, for example, states, “no causality can be assumed or established” linking the condition to the vaccine because of the lack of a control group for comparison.
From Los Angeles Times • Aug. 12, 2025
We cannot pretend to understand what such causality inversion means.
From "Cosmos" by Carl Sagan
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
