circumstantial

[sur-kuhm-stan-shuhl]

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.

circumstantial

/ ˌsɜːkəmˈstænʃəl /

adjective

1. of or dependent on circumstances

2. fully detailed

3. incidental

Other Word Forms

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

Word History and Origins

Origin of circumstantial¹

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

Example Sentences

He has always denied the charges and, other than circumstantial evidence, investigators have struggled to build a case.

From BBC

As in other cases for which Letby was convicted, the prosecution said circumstantial evidence also tied her to the crime.

From BBC

Prosecutors at her trial alleged she had smothered them, relying on circumstantial evidence - including Ms Folbigg's diaries - to paint her as an unstable mother, prone to rage.

From BBC

Corral’s attorney said the evidence establishing that his client was the hooded and masked gunman seen in the footage was “scattered and circumstantial.”

From Los Angeles Times

“He didn’t like circumstantial evidence. He felt there were too many loose ends.”

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• coincidental 
• inconclusive 
• indirect