causality

noun

cau·​sal·​i·​ty kȯ-ˈza-lə-tē 

plural causalities

1

: a causal quality or agency

2

: the relation between a cause and its effect or between regularly correlated events or phenomena

Synonyms

• cause
• causation

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

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

Analyses like this can’t determine causality. —Paul Spann, Miami Herald, 3 Sep. 2025

But in response to the small-scale study (which to date, hasn’t appeared in a medical journal), experts are calling for additional research to further investigate the causality behind this potential link, the New York Times reported. —Caroline C. Boyle, USA Today, 2 Sep. 2025

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

Rhymes for causality

• equality
• frivolity
• sodality
• inequality
• jollity
• polity
• quality

Legal Definition

causality

noun

cau·​sal·​i·​ty kȯ-ˈza-lə-tē 

plural causalities

: the relationship between cause and effect