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

Her daughters, meanwhile, wore causal outfits of their own, with Honor, 17, in an oversized sweater and Haven, 14, in a black bodysuit. —Hannah Malach, InStyle, 12 Mar. 2026

This is the idea spelled out in loop quantum gravity, or in causal sets. —Quanta Magazine, 11 Mar. 2026

However, rather than claiming that either mind or matter is more fundamental than the other, Irruption Theory proceeds by describing their causal relationship, which implies that both the mental and physical aspects of our being belong to the same fundamental reality. —Conor Feehly, Big Think, 10 Mar. 2026

This means understanding the causal relationship between stakeholder investments and core business performance in real-time and on a company-specific basis. —Martin Whittaker, Fortune, 19 Feb. 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
• tahsil
• 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