Definition of 'causal'

Word Frequency

causal

(kɔːzəl )

adjective [usually ADJECTIVE noun]

If there is a causal relationship between two things, one thing is responsible for causing the other thing.

[formal]

Rawlins stresses that it is impossible to prove a causal link between the drug and the deaths.

He would dearly love to show a causal relationship between culture and imperialism, but cannot.

Word Frequency

causal in British

(ˈkɔːzəl )

adjective

acting as or being a cause

stating, involving, or implying a cause

the causal part of the argument

3. philosophy

(of a theory) explaining a phenomenon or analysing a concept in terms of some causal relation

Derived forms

causally (ˈcausally)

adverb

Word Frequency

causal in American

(ˈkɔzəl ; kôzˈəl)

adjective

of a cause or causes

being or involving a cause

relating to cause and effect

expressing a cause or reason

noun

a word expressing a cause, as since, therefore, for

Derived forms

causally (ˈcausally)

adverb

Word origin of 'causal'

ME causel < LL causalis

Example sentences containing 'causal'

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Is there a causal connection between the writing down and the weight loss? Times, Sunday Times (2011)There was a narrative connection but no sufficient causal link. Times, Sunday Times (2006)There is no evidence of a causal relationship. Times, Sunday Times (2013)Then a causal link would have to be established between these things and undesirable outcomes. Times, Sunday Times (2013)But it also allows rather too much to depend on a single economic causal relationship. Low, Nicholas Politics, Planning and the State (1990)But it insists that there is no proven causal connection between the illnesses and attendance at the tests. Times, Sunday Times (2011)Furthermore, one wonders why this causal relation must remain within the limits of rational justification. de Haan, Willem The Politics of Redress - crime, punishment and penal abolition (1989)To study causal connections, researchers normally use experimental designs. Bee, Helen The Developing Child (7th edn.) (1995)Another questionable causal link gained momentum before this Test. Times, Sunday Times (2015)Such a striking correlation cannot possibly have occurred by accident, and a causal connection is undoubtedly present. Sanderson, Stephen K. Macrosociology: An Introduction to Human Societies (1995)It may have an adverse effect on economic growth, although the evidence for a causal connection is unclear. The Times Literary Supplement (2013)Yet maybe only a third of the 30 or more artists on display have a direct or causal relationship with punk. Times, Sunday Times (2007)The correlation between religiosity and happiness is clear, but explanations of the connection and possible causal relationship are less clear. Christianity Today (2000)In an ideal world, an expert would be able to confirm the causal link between the fluid and the damage. Times, Sunday Times (2013)Is there a causal connection? Times, Sunday Times (2012)The way our minds are organized reflects our experience of causal relations, so that our mental wheels often fit natural tracks. The Times Literary Supplement (2011)Experiments Although experimental design is the classic scientific approach for the study of causal relationships, it is not commonly used in sociological research. Appelbaum, Richard P. Sociology (1995)