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Circumstantial
//səɹ.kəmˈstænʃəl// adj, noun
Definitions
Adjective
- 1 Pertaining to or dependent on circumstances, especially as opposed to essentials; incidental, not essential.
"We must therefore distinguish between the essentials in religious worship […] and what is merely circumstantial."
- 2 Involving evidence that relies on inference to connect it to a conclusion of fact, thus, suggesting guilt but not directly proving it.
"It is unlikely he will be convicted; the evidence against him is circumstantial at best."
- 3 Abounding with minor circumstances; in great detail; particular.
"My Unkle's account is more circumstantial I must confess—but I believe mine is the true one for all that."
- 4 Full of circumstance or pomp; ceremonial.
Adjective
- 1 fully detailed and specific about particulars wordnet
Noun
- 1 Something incidental to the main subject, but of less importance. in-plural
"the circumstantials of religion"
- 2 An adjunct or circumstant.
Etymology
Etymology 1
From Latin circumstantia + English -al, equivalent to circumstance + -ial.
Etymology 2
From Latin circumstantia + English -al, equivalent to circumstance + -ial.
See also for "circumstantial"
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