circumstantiality

[sur-kuhm-stan-shee-al-i-tee]

noun

plural

circumstantialities 

1. the quality of being circumstantial; minuteness; fullness of detail.

2. a circumstance; a detail.

3. Psychiatry.,  a pattern of speech that seems to wander because of excessive detail but eventuallyreaches its goal idea.

Word History and Origins

Origin of circumstantiality¹

First recorded in 1725–35; circumstantial + -ity

Example Sentences

"There is about that a picturesque air of circumstantiality, combined with a fanciful inaccuracy, equalled only by things one reads or hears with reference to my right hon. friend, and revered leader."

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The circumstantiality of the account was equally horrible and amusing.

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"But the better to vamp up a show of reality, "The tale must be told with circumstantiality, "What vessels were conquered by Britain's bold sons, "Their quotas of men, and their number of guns.

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The account of the conception and birth of Servius Tullius is curious from its circumstantiality.

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Then Judith related, with much circumstantiality, what had occurred that morning: not toning it down in the least, but rather exaggerating here and there; for she was merry-hearted, and she liked to see the sweet Puritan face grow more and more concerned.

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Related Words

• article 
• design 
• element 
• fact 
• part 
• plan 
• schedule 
• structure 
• thing