Circumstantial

/ˌsɜr.kəmˈstæn.ʃəl/

Meaning & Definition

adjective

Related to, or dependent on, particular circumstances.

The circumstantial evidence did not clearly point to the suspect's guilt.

Involving details that are secondary or less important; providing or including details.

Her report was filled with circumstantial details that distracted from the main argument.

Based on information that is not direct proof but implies something.

The jury could only reach a verdict based on circumstantial reasoning.

Derived from the Latin word 'circumstantialis', from 'circumstantia' meaning 'surrounding condition'.

circumstantial evidence

Information that implies something but doesn't directly prove it.

circumstantial details

Specific details related to a certain situation.

in circumstantial terms

Describing something with consideration of its circumstances.

circumstance

A fact or condition connected with or relevant to an event or action.

situational

Relating to or depending on a particular situation.

When something is based on the situation rather than a fixed rule.

It's all circumstantial; you know how things can change in an instant.

Used to describe a flimsy reasoning.

That excuse sounds pretty circumstantial to me.