adj
Uncommon
circumstantial
suh-kuhm-STANSHUHL
Circumstantial (adj) means Based on indirect evidence that suggests something without directly proving it. Example: “The conviction rested entirely on circumstantial evidence.”
adj
1
Based on indirect evidence that suggests something without directly proving it.
"The conviction rested entirely on circumstantial evidence."
2
Relating to incidental details rather than the main point.
"The report went into circumstantial detail that wasn't really necessary."
How to use circumstantial
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishIndirect and suggestive rather than a direct proof — most often heard in "circumstantial evidence".
Common mistake
Circumstantial evidence isn't automatically weak evidence; it just requires an inference rather than a direct witness or record.
Common pairings
circumstantial evidence
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Word forms
- Plural
- circumstantials
- Comparative
- more circumstantial
- Superlative
- most circumstantial
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
The conviction rested entirely on _____ evidence.
Etymology
From Latin circumstantia ("circumstance") plus the adjective suffix "-al".
Synonyms
View more →Antonyms
Related words
Rhymes for circumstantial
See all rhymes for circumstantial →Frequently asked questions
What does “circumstantial” mean?
The word “circumstantial” means based on indirect evidence that suggests something without directly proving it. In plain terms, indirect and suggestive rather than a direct proof — most often heard in "circumstantial evidence".
How do you pronounce “circumstantial”?
“Circumstantial” is pronounced suh-kuhm-STANSHUHL (/səɹ.kəmˈstænʃəl/ in IPA).
How do you use “circumstantial” in a sentence?
Here is “circumstantial” used in a sentence: “The conviction rested entirely on circumstantial evidence.”
What is another word for “circumstantial”?
Words with a similar meaning to “circumstantial” include accidental, coincidental, coinstantial, contingent, happenstantial and incidental.
What is the opposite of “circumstantial”?
The opposite of “circumstantial” — its antonyms — are certain, impossible, inevitable and necessary.
What part of speech is “circumstantial”?
“Circumstantial” is an adjective.
Where does the word “circumstantial” come from?
The word “circumstantial” comes from Latin. From Latin circumstantia ("circumstance") plus the adjective suffix "-al".
Is “circumstantial” a common word?
“Circumstantial” is an uncommon word in modern English.
