CIRCUMSTANTIAL

circumstantial

(adjective) fully detailed and specific about particulars; “a circumstantial report about the debate”

Source: WordNet® 3.1

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Etymology

Adjective

circumstantial (comparative more circumstantial, superlative most circumstantial)

Pertaining to or dependent on circumstances, especially as opposed to essentials; incidental, not essential.

Abounding with minor circumstances; in great detail; particular.

Full of circumstance or pomp; ceremonial.

(legal) Suggesting guilt, but not proving it conclusively.

Synonyms

• (pertaining to or dependent on circumstances): See also circumstantial

Noun

circumstantial (plural circumstantials)

(chiefly, in the plural) Something incidental to the main subject, but of less importance.

Antonyms

• essential

Source: Wiktionary

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Cir`cum*stan"tial, a. Etym: [Cf. F. circonstanciel.]

1. Consisting in, or pertaining to, circumstances or particular incidents. The usual character of human testimony is substantial truth under circumstantial variety. Paley.

2. Incidental; relating to, but not essential. We must therefore distinguish between the essentials in religious worship . . . and what is merely circumstantial. Sharp.

3. Abounding with circumstances; detailing or exhibiting all the circumstances; minute; particular. Tedious and circumstantial recitals. Prior. Circumstantial evidence (Law), evidence obtained from circumstances, which necessarily or usually attend facts of a particular nature, from which arises presumption. According to some authorities circumstantial is distinguished from positive evidence in that the latter is the testimony of eyewitnesses to a fact or the admission of a party; but the prevalent opinion now is that all such testimony is dependent on circumstances for its support. All testimony is more or less circumstantial. Wharton.

Syn.

– See Minute.

Cir`cum*stan"tial, n.

Definition: Something incidental to the main subject, but of less importance; opposed to an essential; -- generally in the plural; as, the circumstantials of religion. Addison.

Source: Webster’s Unabridged Dictionary 1913 Edition

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