adjective
Uncommon
causal
KAW-zuhl
Causal (adjective) means relating to or being the cause of something. Example: “Researchers looked for a causal link between the two events.”
adjective
1
Relating to or being the cause of something.
"Researchers looked for a causal link between the two events."
"The report describes a causal relationship between diet and health."
"It can be hard to prove a causal connection from statistics alone."
noun
1
technical In grammar, a term like because that introduces the reason for something.
"Because is a common causal in English sentences."
"The teacher asked the class to identify the causal in each sentence."
"Since can also function as a causal when it introduces a reason."
How to use causal
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishCausal means to do with cause and effect.
When to use it
It is common in formal, academic and scientific writing when discussing cause and effect.
Memory tip
Do not confuse causal with casual, they look alike but mean completely different things.
Trace the full origin ↓
Easily confused with
Common pairings
causal link
causal relationship
causal connection
causal factor
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Fill the gap
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Researchers looked for a _____ link between the two events.
Etymology
Causal was borrowed from Late Latin causalis, which came from Latin causa, meaning cause. In English it is formed from cause plus the ending -al.
Rhymes for causal
See all rhymes for causal →Frequently asked questions
What does causal mean?
It means relating to a cause, or actually causing something, such as a causal link between two events.
What is a causal in grammar?
It is a word, such as because, that introduces a reason or a cause within a sentence.
Where does the word causal come from?
It comes from the Late Latin word causalis, itself from Latin causa, meaning cause.
What is the meaning of causal?
"causal" (adjective) means relating to or being the cause of something.
