circumstantially

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "circumstantially" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe something that is dependent on or related to the circumstances surrounding a situation. Example: "Circumstantially, the evidence suggests that he was at the scene of the crime."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

28 human-written examples

That means they destroy certain sorts of oxygen-rich molecules that have been linked, at least circumstantially, to age-related complaints such as heart disease, neurodegeneration and cancer.

The Economist

It is an instrument for proving guilt circumstantially — by association.

The New Yorker

There's still that dynamism, but could a new kind of specialist be emerging: the offensive equivalent of a checking-line grunt, someone you deploy only circumstantially?

The New Yorker

Ryman's reductions of painting to basic protocols are engaging only to the extent that you regard painting as an art that is both inherently important and circumstantially in crisis.

The New Yorker

Its political import is built into its suspense: a young man is about to be executed for a murder to which he is linked only circumstantially and of which he seems to be manifestly innocent.

The New Yorker

Tóibín is circumstantially precise about James's Florence; he details the bicycle ride from Lamb House to the beach.

The New Yorker

Richard Brody wrote that the filmmakers "weave their own recollections and adventuresome research into the tale of local volunteers who joined with the police — and of the suspect who was circumstantially linked to the crimes," and praised them for telling the story "with wit, verve, and compassion".

The New Yorker

No matter that she may herself be following another, or may be only a temporary leader (the head of a flock of birds, for example, is only momentarily, and circumstantially, at its nose, and will cede leadership at the next turn right or left).

The New York Times

By implicating Iran, at least circumstantially, in insurgent attacks on American soldiers in Iraq, the charges add to the ever worsening tensions between the countries.

The New York Times

But if responsibility for losing Lee's order can't be affixed to one officer or the other, it remains possible, at least circumstantially, that they share the blame.

The New York Times

"Muslims are passing through a period of degeneration where they are applying the Shariah law circumstantially and moodily," said Sheik Ahmed al-Baba, a prominent Sunni cleric and member of the Islamic Endowment Council in Lebanon.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "circumstantially" when you want to indicate that a conclusion or evidence is based on indirect information or the surrounding circumstances, rather than direct proof.

Common error

Avoid using "circumstantially" to suggest certainty or definitive proof. It should convey a degree of uncertainty or dependence on interpretation.

Linguistic Context

The adverb "circumstantially" modifies verbs or adjectives, indicating that something is related to or dependent on specific circumstances or indirect evidence. Ludwig examples show it linking events or conditions without providing definitive proof, as stated by Ludwig AI.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

63%

Science

22%

Encyclopedias

6%

Less common in

Formal & Business

3%

Academia

3%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the adverb "circumstantially" is commonly used to express a connection or implication based on circumstances or indirect evidence, as confirmed by Ludwig AI. It's prevalent in news and media, scientific, and encyclopedia contexts. When using "circumstantially", ensure you're conveying a nuanced perspective and avoiding any implication of certainty without direct proof. Alternatives such as "indirectly" or "based on circumstances" can be used to fine-tune your meaning. This adverb presents a useful means of expressing contingent relationships between events or evidence.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

based on circumstances

Emphasizes the reliance on the specific situation or conditions.

indirectly

Highlights the lack of direct evidence or connection.

incidentally

Suggests that something is related but not essential.

contingently

Implies dependence on uncertain future events or conditions.

according to the situation

Focuses on how actions or outcomes change with different scenarios.

by happenstance

Highlights the accidental or coincidental nature of the relationship.

by implication

Indicates that something is suggested without being explicitly stated.

subject to conditions

Emphasizes that something is true only if certain requirements are met.

in connection with

Suggests an association without specifying its nature.

depending on the context

Highlights that meaning or relevance changes based on surrounding information.

FAQs

How can I use "circumstantially" in a sentence?

You can use "circumstantially" to indicate that something is based on indirect evidence or circumstances. For example, "The evidence "circumstantially" links him to the crime, but there's no direct proof."

What are some alternatives to "circumstantially"?

Alternatives to "circumstantially" include "indirectly", "based on circumstances", or "contingently". The best choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it correct to say someone is "circumstantially guilty"?

Saying someone is "circumstantially guilty" implies that the evidence suggests guilt based on circumstances, but there is no concrete proof. It's important to acknowledge this lack of certainty.

What's the difference between "circumstantially" and "directly"?

"Circumstantially" implies reliance on indirect evidence or circumstances, whereas "directly" indicates a clear and unambiguous connection. Evidence can either point to something "circumstantially" or "directly".