causal

adjective

caus·​al ˈkȯ-zəl 

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 bonds

—G. A. Miller

4

: arising from a cause

a causal development

causally

ˈkȯ-zə-lē 

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

The technical term is causal forecasting. —Karen Koehler, Charlotte Observer, 17 June 2026

The cruise, which has a causal attire dress code, features a full bar with cocktails, wine and beer available for purchase. —Don Sweeney, Sacbee.com, 17 June 2026

Queen says more experiments are needed, including looking at more long-term longitudinal data and identifying causal relationships in animal models with specific bacterial strains. —Joseph Kim, NPR, 16 June 2026

The May 2026 review in The Lancet Diabetes & Endocrinology found no convincing causal evidence that weight cycling itself permanently slows metabolism or causes long-term harm in people with obesity. —Allison Palmer updated June 13, Miami Herald, 13 June 2026

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

Rhymes for causal

• clausal
• nozzle
• menopausal
• postmenopausal
• premenopausal

Kids Definition

causal

adjective

caus·​al ˈkȯ-zəl 

: of, relating to, or being a cause

Legal Definition

causal

adjective

caus·​al ˈkȯ-zəl 

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 accident

—National Law Journal

a causal link exists between the deceptive act and the injury

—National Law Journal

3

: arising from a cause