circumstantial

[ˌsərkəmˈstænʃl]

circumstantial Definition

• 1. based on circumstances that suggest something is true but without direct evidence
• 2. incidental; subordinate

Using circumstantial: Examples

Take a moment to familiarize yourself with how "circumstantial" can be used in various situations through the following examples!

• Example

  The case against him was purely circumstantial.

• Example

  There is only circumstantial evidence linking him to the crime.

• Example

  The witness's testimony was circumstantial and did not provide any direct evidence.

circumstantial Synonyms and Antonyms

Synonyms for circumstantial

• incidental
• secondary
• collateral
• extraneous
• coincidental

Antonyms for circumstantial

• direct
• conclusive
• substantial

Phrases with circumstantial

• circumstantial evidence

  evidence that relies on an inference to connect it to a conclusion of fact, such as a fingerprint at the scene of a crime

  Example

  The prosecution's case was based solely on circumstantial evidence.

• circumstantial thinking

  thinking that is based on indirect or coincidental evidence rather than on direct observation or facts

  Example

  His circumstantial thinking led him to believe that the company was going bankrupt.

• circumstantial case

  a legal case that relies on circumstantial evidence rather than direct evidence

  Example

  The defense argued that the prosecution had not proven its circumstantial case beyond a reasonable doubt.

Origins of circumstantial

from Latin 'circumstantia', meaning 'surrounding condition'

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Summary: circumstantial in Brief

The term 'circumstantial' [ˌsərkəmˈstænʃl] refers to evidence or thinking that is based on indirect or coincidental evidence rather than on direct observation or facts. It can also mean incidental or subordinate. Examples include 'The case against him was purely circumstantial,' and 'circumstantial evidence.'