causality

noun

cau·​sal·​i·​ty kȯ-ˈza-lə-tē How to pronounce causality (audio)
plural causalities
1
: a causal quality or agency
2
: the relation between a cause and its effect or between regularly correlated events or phenomena

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
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
This inconsistency suggests that these models fail to account for linguistic differences in the way humans reason and convey causality. Siobhan Hanna, Forbes.com, 25 June 2025 No rhyme, reason, or apparent causality except that computers are just [unprintable expletives]. Nate Anderson, Ars Technica, 22 Mar. 2025 The study's lead researchers warn that while the study is observational and cannot prove causality, the patterns are compelling. Daniella Gray, MSNBC Newsweek, 1 July 2025 If the models have not been sufficiently exposed to these differences, their ability to identify causality can be impacted. Siobhan Hanna, Forbes.com, 25 June 2025 See All Example Sentences for causality

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

Time Traveler
The first known use of causality was in 1603

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Causality.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/causality. Accessed 19 Aug. 2025.

Legal Definition

causality

noun
cau·​sal·​i·​ty kȯ-ˈza-lə-tē How to pronounce causality (audio)
plural causalities
: the relationship between cause and effect

More from Merriam-Webster on causality

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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