causality

noun

cau·​sal·​i·​ty kȯ-ˈza-lə-tē How to pronounce causality (audio)
plural causalities
1
: a causal quality or agency
2
: the relation between a cause and its effect or between regularly correlated events or phenomena

Examples of causality in a Sentence

Scientists found no causality between the events. a supreme being is a being that, by definition, has no causality of its own
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Immediate opportunities in a PV context include the ability to unlock and distill richer insights from existing safety data, highlighting potential new connections as an aid to causality assessment. Aman Wasan, Forbes.com, 19 Sep. 2025 These studies, like most studies that assess environmental exposures, typically cannot determine causality between agricultural-pesticide exposure and autism risk. Zoë Schlanger, The Atlantic, 16 Sep. 2025 To infer causality or intent within those actions is even more difficult, if not impossible, when so many other factors are at play beyond Paqueta’s control. Mark Carey, New York Times, 6 Sep. 2025 The researchers called for long-term studies to confirm causality and explore prevention strategies. Deirdre Bardolf, FOXNews.com, 6 Sep. 2025 See All Example Sentences for causality

Word History

Etymology

borrowed from Medieval Latin causālitāt- causālitās, from Late Latin causālis causal + Latin -itāt-, -itās -ity

First Known Use

1603, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of causality was in 1603

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Causality.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/causality. Accessed 5 Oct. 2025.

Legal Definition

causality

noun
cau·​sal·​i·​ty kȯ-ˈza-lə-tē How to pronounce causality (audio)
plural causalities
: the relationship between cause and effect

More from Merriam-Webster on causality

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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