causal

[kaw-zuhl]

adjective

1. of, constituting, or implying a cause.

2. Grammar.,  expressing a cause, as the conjunctions because and since.

causal

/ ˈkɔːzəl /

adjective

1. acting as or being a cause

2. stating, involving, or implying a cause

   the causal part of the argument

3. philosophy (of a theory) explaining a phenomenon or analysing a concept in terms of some causal relation

Other Word Forms

• causally adverb
• noncausal adjective
• noncausally adverb
• supercausal adjective
• uncausal adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of causal¹

1520–30; < Latin causālis, equivalent to caus ( a ) cause + -ālis -al ¹

Example Sentences

It says the primary causal factor for the implosion was the firm's failure to follow "established engineering protocols" for safety and testing.

From BBC

Mind you, this is science we’re talking about, and there’s an important distinction between noticing an association and confirming a causal connection.

From Salon

The recognition that visceral fat is causal in an array of cardiometabolic diseases that increase real disability in one’s senior years.

From Los Angeles Times

But many assumed a causal relationship from studies like these, which were not designed to be able to determine causal relationships.

From Salon

It has been about a decade since prescription of opioids showed a causal link with the overdose crisis.

From Salon

Related Words

• creative 
• imaginative 
• innovative 
• inventive 
• seminal 
• unconventional 
• unusual