circumstantial (C1)
adjective
Pronunciation: /ˌsɜːrkəmˈstænʃəl/
Definition
Relating to or dependent on circumstances; not essential or primary. Often used to describe evidence that strongly suggests something but does not directly prove it.
Examples
The prosecution's case was built entirely on circumstantial evidence, making it harder to secure a conviction.
While the witness's account was circumstantial, it added another layer to the complex investigation.
They had only circumstantial proof that the company was involved in illegal activities, not a clear smoking gun.
How to Use circumstantial
- circumstantial evidence (collocation)
- Indirect proof that suggests a fact but does not prove it directly. — "The police had a lot of circumstantial evidence but no eyewitnesses."
- circumstantial details (collocation)
- Minor, non-essential facts that provide context. — "The report included many circumstantial details that weren't crucial to the main point."
Synonyms of circumstantial
Words with a similar meaning to circumstantial:
Antonyms of circumstantial
Words with the opposite meaning to circumstantial:
Browse the full Anaversity dictionary