circumstantial

/,sə:kəm'stænʃl/

Thân thiện

The detective presented a circumstantial case to the jury.

Definition

1. Adjective:
   • Containing full details and specifics: Providing a complete account that includes all particulars and surrounding facts.
   • (Law) Based on inference from secondary facts: Pertaining to evidence that suggests a fact by implication from related circumstances, rather than by direct observation or testimony.
   • Incidental; dependent on circumstances: Occurring as a consequence of a specific situation or set of conditions.

Usage Examples

• Adjective (Detailed):
  • The detective gave a circumstantial account of the events leading up to the incident.
  • Her circumstantial description of the room helped us visualize it perfectly.
• Adjective (Legal):
  • The prosecution's case was built largely on circumstantial evidence, as there were no eyewitnesses.
  • A conviction cannot be based solely on circumstantial proof.
• Adjective (Incidental):
  • His success was circumstantial, resulting more from luck than from careful planning.
  • The difficulties were circumstantial and should resolve when the situation changes.

Advanced Usage

• "Circumstantial case": A legal argument built primarily on indirect evidence that requires inference.
  • The defense argued that the circumstantial case against their client was too weak.
• "Circumstantial factors": Elements or conditions that are contingent on a specific situation.
  • The decision was influenced by various circumstantial factors, including the weather and market timing.

Variants and Related Words

• Circumstantially (adverb): In a detailed or incidental manner; by inference from circumstances.
  • The story was told circumstantially, with every minor event described.
  • He was found guilty, but only circumstantially.
• Circumstantiality (noun): The quality of being detailed or dependent on circumstances.
  • The circumstantiality of the narrative made it very convincing.

Synonyms

• Detailed: Elaborate, thorough, particularized.
• Indirect: Inferential, implied, secondary.
• Incidental: Contingent, accidental, situational.

Related Phrases

• Circumstantial evidence: (Legal term) Evidence based on inference and interpretation of supporting facts, not on direct observation.
  • The fingerprint was a key piece of circumstantial evidence linking him to the scene.

Học thuật

Adjective

1. fully detailed and specific about particulars
   • a circumstantial report about the debate