circumstantial
|cir/cum/stan/tial|
🇺🇸
/ˌsɜrkəmˈstænʃəl/
🇬🇧
/ˌsɜːkəmˈstænʃəl/
dependent on circumstances
Etymology
'circumstantial' originates from Latin, specifically the word 'circumstantia,' where 'circum-' meant 'around' and 'stantia' meant 'standing.'
'circumstantia' transformed into the Old French word 'circumstantial,' and eventually became the modern English word 'circumstantial.'
Initially, it meant 'standing around,' but over time it evolved into its current meaning of 'relating to circumstances.'
Meanings by Part of Speech
Adjective 1
relating to or dependent on circumstances.
The evidence was purely circumstantial.
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Adjective 2
(Of evidence or a legal case) pointing indirectly towards someone's guilt but not conclusively proving it.
The case against him was largely circumstantial.
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Last updated: 2025/01/11 11:39