circumstantial Definition
- 1based on circumstances that suggest something is true but without direct evidence
- 2incidental; 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
Antonyms for circumstantial
Phrases with circumstantial
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.
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.
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'
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.'