circumstantial

== English == === Etymology === From Latin circumstantia + English -al, equivalent to circumstance +‎ -ial. === Pronunciation === (General American) IPA(key): /səɹ.kəmˈstænʃəl/ (UK) IPA(key): /səːkəmˈstanʃəl/ === Adjective === circumstantial (comparative more circumstantial, superlative most circumstantial) Pertaining to or dependent on circumstances, especially as opposed to essentials; incidental, not essential. Synonyms: see Thesaurus:circumstantial (law) Involving evidence that relies on inference to connect it to a conclusion of fact, thus, suggesting guilt but not directly proving it. Abounding with minor circumstances; in great detail; particular. 1806, James Wilkinson, Letter to Thomas Jefferson (October 21, 1806) (part of Burr conspiracy) For although my information appears too direct and circumstantial to be fictitious, yet the magnitude of the enterprise, the desperation of the plan, and the stupendous consequences with which it seems pregnant, stagger my belief […] Full of circumstance or pomp; ceremonial. ==== Derived terms ==== ==== Translations ==== === Noun === circumstantial (plural circumstantials) (chiefly in the plural) Something incidental to the main subject, but of less importance. Antonym: essential (grammar) An adjunct or circumstant. ==== Translations ====