causal

adjective

caus·​al ˈkȯ-zəl How to pronounce causal (audio)
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 bondsG. A. Miller
4
: arising from a cause
a causal development
causally 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 researchers matched 260 million resumes to company data to analyze causal effects of RTO mandates on employees’ tenure at Microsoft, SpaceX, and Apple. Jane Thier, Fortune, 16 May 2024 Todos is a causal tacos-and-avocado toast-type town, so this is a different and duly noted look, complemented by a robust wine list curated by Sinaloan sommelier Cesár Caro. Adam Erace, Travel + Leisure, 18 Apr. 2024 See all Example Sentences for causal 

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'causal.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

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

Time Traveler
The first known use of causal was circa 1530

Dictionary Entries Near causal

Cite this Entry

“Causal.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/causal. Accessed 29 May. 2024.

Kids Definition

causal

adjective
caus·​al ˈkȯ-zəl How to pronounce causal (audio)
: of, relating to, or being a cause

Legal Definition

causal

adjective
caus·​al ˈkȯ-zəl How to pronounce causal (audio)
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 accidentNational Law Journal
a causal link exists between the deceptive act and the injuryNational Law Journal
3
: arising from a cause
Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!