circumstantial

cir-cum-stan-tial · adjective

imported

Definitions

adjective

  1. 1.

    (Of evidence) based on inference rather than direct observation or proof.

  2. 2.

    Relating to or dependent on circumstances.

  3. 3.

    (Of a description) containing full details.

Phrases & expressions

  • •
    circumstantial evidence — Evidence based on inference rather than direct observation.
  • •
    purely circumstantial — Based entirely on circumstances, not direct proof.

Related words

Antonyms: conclusive, direct
See also: evidence, indirect, inference
Synonyms: incidental, indirect, inferential

Etymology

From Latin circumstantia ("surrounding condition") + -al. First used in English in the 16th century.