causal

adjective

caus·​al ˈkȯ-zəl How to pronounce causal (audio)
1
: expressing or indicating cause : causative
a causal clause introduced by since
2
: of, relating to, or constituting a cause
the causal agent of a disease
3
: involving causation or a cause : marked by cause and effect
a causal link
evidence suggests that there is a strong causal relationship between an individual's experiences with his parents and his later capacity to make affectional bondsG. A. Miller
4
: arising from a cause
a causal development
causally adverb

Examples of causal in a Sentence

No causal connection between the events was found. There is a causal link between poverty and crime.
Recent Examples on the Web At one dramatic moment in the hearing, Sanders also attempted to draw a causal connection between drug prices and life expectancy, implying that where drug prices are lower, life expectancy is higher. Rita Numerof, Forbes, 28 Feb. 2024 Employing this wealth of information, the researcher has developed causal models that forecast revenues for various retail categories, achieving an unprecedented 99% accuracy. Gary Drenik, Forbes, 21 Feb. 2024 For instance, one kid could participate in different studies at different labs—for example, to do with language, or motor skills, or causal reasoning—all connected through CHS. Connie Chang, The Atlantic, 15 Feb. 2024 Although the data don’t establish a causal relationship between erectile dysfunction drugs and a lower risk of Alzheimer’s, Brauer points to another piece of evidence that strengthens the association. TIME, 7 Feb. 2024 Congress can attempt mitigation of further warming and avoid catastrophe by enforcing and rewarding continuing reduction of causal greenhouse gases by investment in renewable energy, electrification and battery storage. Gillian Brassil, Sacramento Bee, 5 Feb. 2024 In Europe, where offshore wind has been developed for more than three decades, national agencies also have not found causal links between wind farms and whale deaths. Christina Larson, Fortune, 24 Dec. 2023 Mund contends the product is responsible for his Parkinson’s disease, but the manufacturer denies there is a causal link between the chemical and Parkinson’s. Ryan Fonseca, Los Angeles Times, 21 Dec. 2023 Now, researchers are looking to find closer links and prove a causal relationship. Rebecca Savransky, Miami Herald, 30 Jan. 2024

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'causal.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

Etymology

borrowed from Late Latin causālis, from Latin causa cause entry 1 + -ālis -al entry 1

First Known Use

circa 1530, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of causal was circa 1530

Dictionary Entries Near causal

Cite this Entry

“Causal.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/causal. Accessed 19 Mar. 2024.

Kids Definition

causal

adjective
caus·​al ˈkȯ-zəl How to pronounce causal (audio)
: of, relating to, or being a cause

Legal Definition

causal

adjective
caus·​al ˈkȯ-zəl How to pronounce causal (audio)
1
: of, relating to, or constituting a cause
causal negligence
2
: involving causation or a cause
no causal relationship between driving without insurance and the accidentNational Law Journal
a causal link exists between the deceptive act and the injuryNational Law Journal
3
: arising from a cause
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