causale

Causale is an Italian word used as an adjective and, less commonly, as a noun. As an adjective, causale describes something related to a cause or to causation, such as in expressions like rapporto causale (causal relationship) or nesso causale (causal link). As a feminine noun, causale can refer to the reason or justification for an action or decision, particularly in formal or bureaucratic language, for example the causale di un pagamento (the purpose or description of a payment).

Etymology and sense: causale derives from the Latin causa, meaning cause or reason, with a typical Italian suffix that forms adjectives and nouns indicating relation. The term thus marks a connection to cause, purpose, or justification.

Usage across domains: In linguistics and grammar, proposizioni causali are clauses that express reason or cause. In philosophy and science, the term governs discussions of causal relationships and causality. In medicine, epidemiology, and social sciences, causale or nesso causale is used to discuss whether a factor can be considered a cause of an effect. In business and banking, causale is commonly employed to specify the purpose of a payment or transfer, such as la causale del versamento.

See also: causality, cause, causal.

The term is primarily used in Italian-language contexts and appears in bilingual texts when Italian terminology is translated or defined for non-Italian readers.