circumstantial
UK: /ˌsɜːkəmˈstænʃəl/ | US: /ˌsɜːrkəmˈstænʃəl/
adj. relating to or dependent on circumstances; incidental
adj. detailed and thorough (e.g., a circumstantial report)
adj. (law) based on inference rather than direct evidence
The word "circumstantial" originates from Latin circumstantia ("surrounding conditions"), combining circum- (around) and stare (to stand). The root stant reflects the idea of "standing" or "being present," while circum- implies surrounding details. Over time, it evolved to describe things dependent on context (e.g., "circumstantial evidence") or minute details (e.g., "a circumstantial account"). The suffix -ial turns it into an adjective, emphasizing relational or qualitative aspects.
The case relied heavily on circumstantial evidence rather than eyewitness testimony.
She gave a circumstantial description of the event, noting every minor detail.
His alibi was weak and purely circumstantial.
The report was dismissed for being too circumstantial and lacking direct proof.
Circumstantial factors like weather delayed the project.