Added 9 October 2026
circumstantial
/səɹ.kəmˈstænʃəl/ adjective
Latin root: circumstantia Wiktionary
adjective Definition from Wiktionary (CC BY-SA). Pronunciation from Wiktionary, via Kaikki.org. More about circumstantial at Wordnik → Where our words come from →
- Pertaining to or dependent on circumstances, especially as opposed to essentials; incidental, not essential.
-
Involving evidence that relies on inference to connect it to a conclusion of fact, thus, suggesting guilt but not directly proving it.
It is unlikely he will be convicted; the evidence against him is circumstantial at best.
- Abounding with minor circumstances; in great detail; particular.
noun
-
Something incidental to the main subject, but of less importance.
the circumstantials of religion
- An adjunct or circumstant.
Origin
From Latin circumstantia + English -al, equivalent to circumstance + -ial.
From Wiktionary, via Kaikki.org (CC BY-SA)