circumstantial Meaning, Definition & Usage

adjective satellite fully detailed and specific about particulars
- a circumstantial report about the debate

Cf. F. circonstanciel.

Consisting in, or pertaining to, circumstances or particular incidents.
The usual character of human testimony is substantial truth under circumstantial variety. Paley.
Incidental; relating to, but not essential.
We must therefore distinguish between the essentials in religious worship . . . and what is merely circumstantial. Sharp.
Abounding with circumstances; detailing or exhibiting all the circumstances; minute; particular.
Tedious and circumstantial recitals. Prior.
Syn. -- See Minute.

Something incidental to the main subject, but of less importance; opposed to an essential; -- generally in the plural; as, the circumstantials of religion. Addison.