Main Entry: cir·cum·stan·tial

Pronunciation: \ˌsər-k^əm-ˈstan(t)-shəl\

Function: adjective

Date: 1600

1 : belonging to, consisting in, or dependent on circumstances <a circumstantial case> <circumstantial factors>
2 : pertinent but not essential : incidental
3 : marked by careful attention to detail : abounding in factual details <a circumstantial account of the fight>
4 : ceremonial

— cir·cum·stan·ti·al·i·ty \-ˌstan(t)-shē-ˈa-lə-tē\ noun

— cir·cum·stan·tial·ly \-ˈstan(t)-sh(ə-)lē\ adverb

synonyms circumstantial, minute, particular, detailed mean dealing with a matter fully and usually point by point. circumstantial implies fullness of detail that fixes something described in time and space <a circumstantial account of our visit>. minute implies close and searching attention to the smallest details <a minute examination of a fossil>. particular implies a precise attention to every detail <a particular description of the scene of the crime>. detailed stresses abundance or completeness of detail <a detailed analysis of the event>.