circumstantial

American  

[sur-kuhm-stan-shuhl] / ˌsɜr kəmˈstæn ʃəl /

adjective

1. relating to or derived from circumstances.

   a circumstantial result;

   circumstantial evidence.

2. of the nature of a circumstance or minor detail; nonessential; secondary.

   of circumstantial importance.

3. dealing with or giving circumstances; detailed; particular.

   a circumstantial report of a business conference.

   Synonyms:

   precise, exact, thorough, minute

4. pertaining to conditions of material welfare.

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circumstantial British  

/ ˌsɜːkəmˈstænʃəl /

adjective

1. of or dependent on circumstances

2. fully detailed

3. incidental

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Other Word Forms

• circumstantiality noun
• circumstantially adverb
• noncircumstantial adjective
• noncircumstantially adverb
• uncircumstantial adjective
• uncircumstantially adverb

Etymology

Origin of circumstantial

1590–1600; < Latin circumstanti ( a ) circumstance + -al ¹

Example Sentences

"It was the DNA evidence, as our prosecution barrister highlighted, that glued all of that circumstantial evidence together to build such a strong case that led to his guilty plea," Gray said.

From BBC

Much has been made of the fact the evidence against Letby is circumstantial, but several interviewees point out the amount of circumstantial evidence is huge.

From BBC

Like a criminal trial with no eyewitnesses, the prosecution of the “Queens of Combat” question relies on a cistern’s worth of circumstantial evidence, which may or may not add up to a case.

From The Wall Street Journal

Five witnesses gave indirect circumstantial evidence that supported Murley's claim he was not taken seriously.

From BBC

But as it stands that remains a feeling - circumstantial evidence at best - and the first minister's denials were categorical.

From BBC

Related Words

• coincidental
• inconclusive
• indirect