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.