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 Stanford authors say their findings are descriptive patterns, not causal estimates, and the gaps shrink when education is accounted for. — Nick Lichtenberg, Fortune, 30 Sep. 2026

Yet, from the start, the director, Michael Showalter, can’t be bothered to anchor the action in the ordinary causal relations that arise from this plot, in the social contexts that surround it, or in the personalities that drive it. — Richard Brody, New Yorker, 30 Sep. 2026

Second Step lets customers shop returned and gently worn Xero styles across running, hiking, sandals, and causal footwear at a lower price point. — Vicki M. Young, Footwear News, 28 Sep. 2026

Anyone who wants to watch, from the press to advocates to families to just causal observers, must have that unfettered ability. — New York Daily News Editorial Board, New York Daily News, 25 Sep. 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