Meaning & Definition of word "Circumstantial"

Circumstantial

/ˌsɜr.kəmˈstæn.ʃəl/

adjective:

  • 1. Related to, or dependent on, particular circumstances.
    • Example: The circumstantial evidence did not clearly point to the suspect's guilt.
  • 2. Involving details that are secondary or less important; providing or including details.
    • Example: Her report was filled with circumstantial details that distracted from the main argument.
  • 3. Based on information that is not direct proof but implies something.
    • Example: The jury could only reach a verdict based on circumstantial reasoning.

Etymology

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

Common Phrases and Expressions

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.

Related Words

circumstance:

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

situational:

Relating to or depending on a particular situation.

Slang Meanings of circumstantial

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

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

Meaning: Used to describe a flimsy reasoning.

Example Sentence: That excuse sounds pretty circumstantial to me.