adj

circumstantial

suh-kuhm-STANSHUHL

adj

Based on indirect evidence that suggests something without directly proving it.

"The conviction rested entirely on circumstantial evidence."

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 notes

In 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

more circumstantial comparative, circumstantials plural, most circumstantial superlative

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Can you complete this real example?

The conviction rested entirely on _____ evidence.

From Latin circumstantia ("circumstance") plus the adjective suffix "-al".

accidental coincidental coinstantial contingent happenstantial incidental secondary

certain impossible inevitable necessary

accidental derivative conditional bathroom certain important vague strange

dial vial trial aerial serial filial denial medial racial social burial facial

accidental coincidental coinstantial contingent happenstantial incidental secondary certain impossible inevitable necessary derivative