circumstantial evidence

American  

noun

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

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circumstantial evidence British  

noun

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

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Etymology

Origin of circumstantial evidence

First recorded in 1730–40

Example Sentences

A chronology of top quarterback movement in recent days provides circumstantial evidence that Louisiana State and Williams have mutual interest.

From Los Angeles Times

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

From The Wall Street Journal

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

From Literature

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

From BBC

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

From Los Angeles Times