circumstantial evidence

noun

1. proof of facts offered as evidence from which other facts are to be inferred ( direct evidence ).

circumstantial evidence

noun

1. indirect evidence that tends to establish a conclusion by inference Compare direct evidence

Word History and Origins

Origin of circumstantial evidence¹

First recorded in 1730–40

Example Sentences

Andy Stahl, executive director of environmental group Forest Service Employees for Environmental Ethics, said the study bolsters fears of heavy metal concentrations in Phos-Chek that had until recently been supported by circumstantial evidence.

From Los Angeles Times

But for the most part, viewers have been left to draw conclusions about contestants’ political leanings based on circumstantial evidence such as their social media history or predilection for star-spangled clothing.

From Los Angeles Times

"So after a year and a half of this and taking in all this information, this is the person it's led us to, but it's circumstantial evidence."

From Salon

During a 2021 trial, the judge directed the jury to return a not guilty verdict due to insufficient evidence, saying the prosecution case was built on circumstantial evidence.

From BBC

Much has been made of the fact that the Letby case relied on circumstantial evidence and no-one definitively saw her harming any of the babies.

From BBC