circumstantiel

Circumstantiel is a French adjective that translates to circumstantial in English. It describes something that depends on or is influenced by the particular circumstances in which something occurs. It is often used in legal contexts to refer to evidence that does not directly prove a fact but suggests it is true. For example, circumstantial evidence might include the fact that a suspect was in the vicinity of a crime scene at the time it was committed, or that they had a motive. While not as definitive as direct evidence, a strong chain of circumstantial evidence can lead to a conviction.

In everyday language, "circumstantiel" can also refer to something that is incidental, secondary, or not essential to the main point. For instance, a discussion might include some circumstantiel details that add color but are not crucial to understanding the core issue. The word emphasizes the role of surrounding conditions or details in shaping the nature or understanding of an event or situation. It highlights the dependency on context and the specificities of a given moment rather than on inherent or universal qualities.