causal
causal Lexical Profile
causal Game Scores & Validity
• adjective
Relating to, acting as, or implying a cause; involving a relationship of cause and effect.
"The researchers conducted a controlled experiment to establish a causal link between sleep deprivation and memory loss."
In grammar, expressing or indicating a cause or reason (as in a conjunction or clause such as 'because' or 'since').
"In Latin grammar, a causal clause often takes the subjunctive mood when reporting another speaker's reason."
• noun
A grammatical word, particle, or construction (such as a conjunction) that expresses a cause or reason.
"When analyzing the ancient text, the linguist noted how causals were positioned at the beginning of subordinate clauses."
Word Nuance & Usage
Frequently confused in spelling and reading with 'casual' (relaxed or informal); 'causal' specifically refers to a relationship of cause and effect.
• Rhymes for causal
Word Origin & Etymology
Borrowed in Middle English from Late Latin causālis ('of or belonging to a cause'), from Latin causa ('cause, reason, motive').