circumstantial evidence

noun

1. proof of facts offered as evidence from which other facts are to be inferred (direct evidence ).

circumstantial evidence

noun

1. indirect evidence that tends to establish a conclusion by inference Compare direct evidence

Word History and Origins

Origin of circumstantial evidence¹

First recorded in 1730–40

Example Sentences

“It is like circumstantial evidence in a Sherlock Holmes mystery,” said Slok.

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All around, she and others found circumstantial evidence of a changed man.

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But the jury of six civilians and three magistrates decided that there was enough circumstantial evidence to conclude that Jubillar was guilty of murder.

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Bill Essayli presented a list of circumstantial evidence they said linked him to the fire.

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

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