- circumstantial
- circumstantial cir`cum*stan"tial (s[~e]r`k[u^]m*st[a^]n"shal),
a. [Cf. F. circonstanciel.]
[1913 Webster]
1. Consisting in, or pertaining to, circumstances or
particular incidents.
[1913 Webster]
The usual character of human testimony is substantial truth under circumstantial variety. --Paley. [1913 Webster]
2. Incidental; relating to, but not essential. [1913 Webster]
We must therefore distinguish between the essentials in religious worship . . . and what is merely circumstantial. --Sharp. [1913 Webster]
3. Abounding with circumstances; detailing or exhibiting all the circumstances; minute; particular. [1913 Webster]
Tedious and circumstantial recitals. --Prior. [1913 Webster]
{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}. [1913 Webster]
The Collaborative International Dictionary of English. 2000.