circumstantial

American  

[sur-kuhm-stan-shuhl] / ˌsɜr kəmˈstæn ʃəl /

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.

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circumstantial British  

/ ˌsɜːkəmˈstænʃəl /

adjective

1. of or dependent on circumstances

2. fully detailed

3. incidental

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Other Word Forms

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

Etymology

Origin of circumstantial

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

Example Sentences

But the prosecution says the crown's case – though circumstantial – was made up of evidence that pointed to Mr Singh "and eliminated others".

From BBC

“It is like circumstantial evidence in a Sherlock Holmes mystery,” said Slok.

From The Wall Street Journal

But the jury of six civilians and three magistrates decided that there was enough circumstantial evidence to conclude that Jubillar was guilty of murder.

From BBC

Bill Essayli presented a list of circumstantial evidence they said linked him to the fire.

From Los Angeles Times

He has always denied the charges and, other than circumstantial evidence, investigators have struggled to build a case.

From BBC

Related Words

• coincidental
• inconclusive
• indirect