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

Perhaps more impressively, AI systems can identify intricate mediators and moderators that might escape human researchers, uncovering causal pathways beyond established theoretical frameworks. —Josipa Majic Predin, Forbes.com, 4 Apr. 2025

In 2011 and 2019, the FDA also reviewed data but determined no causal relationship could be established for children who haven’t already been diagnosed with behavioral disorders. —Berkeley Lovelace Jr., NBC News, 23 Mar. 2025

Potentially causal associations between placental DNA methylation and schizophrenia and other neuropsychiatric disorders As the marketing coordinator at Discover Magazine, Stephanie Edwards interacts with readers across Discover's social media channels and writes digital content. —Stephanie Edwards, Discover Magazine, 21 Mar. 2025

Darden’s LongHorn Steakhouse, which competes on the causal side with Texas Roadhouse, reported quarterly same-store sales growth of 2.6% versus the 5% gain expected. —Natasha Abellard, CNBC, 20 Mar. 2025

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
• tahsil
• 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