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

Word History and Origins

Origin of circumstantial¹

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

Example Sentences

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

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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.

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Related Words

• coincidental 
• inconclusive 
• indirect