circumstantiality

[ sur-kuhm-stan-shee-al-i-tee ]

noun

, plural cir·cum·stan·ti·al·i·ties

1. the quality of being circumstantial; minuteness; fullness of detail.
2. a circumstance; a detail.
3. Psychiatry. a pattern of speech that seems to wander because of excessive detail but eventuallyreaches its goal idea.

Word History and Origins

Origin of circumstantiality¹

First recorded in 1725–35; circumstantial + -ity

Example Sentences

"There is about that a picturesque air of circumstantiality, combined with a fanciful inaccuracy, equalled only by things one reads or hears with reference to my right hon. friend, and revered leader."

From Project Gutenberg

The circumstantiality of the account was equally horrible and amusing.

From Project Gutenberg

"But the better to vamp up a show of reality, "The tale must be told with circumstantiality, "What vessels were conquered by Britain's bold sons, "Their quotas of men, and their number of guns.

From Project Gutenberg

The account of the conception and birth of Servius Tullius is curious from its circumstantiality.

From Project Gutenberg

Then Judith related, with much circumstantiality, what had occurred that morning: not toning it down in the least, but rather exaggerating here and there; for she was merry-hearted, and she liked to see the sweet Puritan face grow more and more concerned.

From Project Gutenberg

Related Words

• article
• design
• element
• fact
• part
• plan
• schedule
• structure
• thing