THE WORDCRAFT DEFINITION DICTIONARY
circumstantial
adjective
Based on surrounding facts that support an inference about what happened.
Local English device voice, when available. This is not a recorded dictionary pronunciation.
A USEFUL DISTINCTION
Usage note
The evidence sense is featured here. Circumstantial evidence supports an inference from related facts; anecdotal evidence comes from individual accounts. The terms are not interchangeable. Circumstantial can also mean dependent on circumstances or rich in factual detail.
SEE IT IN USE
Examples in context
The matching footprints were circumstantial evidence that someone had entered the shed.
Damp trails beside the toy-boat course were circumstantial evidence that someone had tested a model early, but no observer had seen the trial.
Notice how the same meaning carries into different situations. Try explaining what the word contributes to each example.
Related meanings
Related words can differ in tone and context; they are not always interchangeable.
Compare the full synonym referenceMAKE IT YOURS
Write your own sentence
Use "circumstantial" in a situation you might actually discuss. Compare your meaning with the definition above.
Personal practice. Sentences are saved locally and are not automatically graded.
READ THIS WORD IN CONTEXT
Included in the learning path
What a Fair Comparison Can EstablishReading 1 / Open lessonAPPLY IT AND RETURN
Build a retention record for this word.
Use its lesson question and fresh-context checkpoint on separate days. Your browser can track the evidence for a retention milestone.
How the milestone worksAbout this entry
This entry is part of the vocabulary collection supplied by GlobalRPh. Definitions are concise study meanings. Examples combine original teaching sentences with selected passages adapted from the supplied study notes; their source is labeled beside each example. A word may have additional specialized or historical senses.
Adapted from supplied vocabulary notes. Example written for WordCraft.
Source study sections: 4, 16.
- https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/circumstantial
- https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/circumstantial%20evidence
The evidence sense is featured here. Circumstantial evidence supports an inference from related facts; anecdotal evidence comes from individual accounts. The terms are not interchangeable. Circumstantial can also mean dependent on circumstances or rich in factual detail.
CIRCUMSTANTIAL Definition & Meaning - Merriam-Webster
CIRCUMSTANTIAL EVIDENCE Definition & Meaning - Merriam-Webster
Dictionary scope and sources