noun
causality
kaw-ZAL-i-tee
Causality (noun) means the capacity of a cause to bring about its effect. Example: “Physicists study causality at the level of individual particles.”
noun
1
formal The capacity of a cause to bring about its effect.
"Physicists study causality at the level of individual particles."
"The theory rests on a strict principle of causality."
2
formal The link between an event or state of affairs and whatever brings it about.
"The report failed to prove causality between the drug and the side effect."
"Researchers looked for causality, not just a coincidence in the data."
How to use causality
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishCausality is the link between a cause and its effect.
When to use it
This is a formal term used in philosophy, science and statistics.
Memory tip
Causality is often confused with correlation, but correlation alone does not show that one thing causes another.
Trace the full origin ↓
Easily confused with
Common pairings
establish causality
prove causality
causality between
direct causality
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Physicists study _____ at the level of individual particles.
Etymology
Causality was formed in English as if from a Latin word causalitas, built on causalis, meaning causal, which itself comes from causa, meaning cause.
Synonyms
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Rhymes for causality
See all rhymes for causality →Frequently asked questions
What does causality mean?
Causality is the relationship between a cause and the effect it produces.
What is the difference between causality and correlation?
Correlation means two things vary together, while causality means one thing actually brings about the other.
Is causality the same as causation?
Yes, causation is a close synonym of causality.
What is the meaning of causality?
"causality" (noun) means the capacity of a cause to bring about its effect.
