Causally Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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causally

[ˈkɔː.zə.li ]

Definition

Context #1 | Adverb

casual situation

Causally refers to something that is related to cause and effect. It indicates a connection between an event and its outcome, often used to describe a relationship where one thing leads to another.

Synonyms

incidentally, informally, randomly.

Examples of usage

  • He spoke causally about his recent trip.
  • The experiment highlighted how factors causally affect the results.
  • She laughed causally, not thinking deeply about the implications.
  • They dismissively causally linked his absence to the weather.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Interesting Facts

Science

  • In scientific research, demonstrating that something happens causally is important for establishing true relationships between phenomena.
  • Causality is crucial in fields like psychology and medicine, where understanding what causes issues can help in treatment.
  • Newton's laws of motion use causal relationships to explain how objects move and interact.

Philosophy

  • Philosophers like David Hume questioned causality, arguing that just because two events occur together doesn't mean one causes the other.
  • The concept of causation has led to various philosophical debates regarding determinism and free will.
  • In metaphysics, causality is a fundamental principle that relates to how events happen and what brings them about.

Pop Culture

  • In storytelling, causality helps build plots, where one character's actions lead to consequences, creating tension and resolution.
  • Movies often use causal chains like a character's poor decision leading to a dramatic conflict later in the film.
  • Shows like 'Lost' frequently explore complex causal relationships, impacting character arcs and overall storylines.

Psychology

  • Psychological studies often focus on causal relations to understand human behavior and predict outcomes based on certain stimuli.
  • Causally-related concepts are used in cognitive-behavioral therapy to break down unhealthy patterns by identifying triggers.
  • The 'causal attribution theory' examines how people interpret causes behind their own or others' actions.

Origin of 'causally'

Main points about word origin

  • The word comes from the Latin 'causa,' which means 'cause,' joining with the suffix '-ally' to form an adverb.
  • In English, it has been in use since the late 19th century, often in scientific and philosophical discussions.
  • Related terms like 'causation' describe the connection between cause and effect.

The adverb 'causally' originates from the word 'causal', which comes from the Latin root 'causa', meaning 'cause'. The term has evolved in the English language to connote relationships that pertain to cause and effect. The suffix '-ly' transforms adjectives into adverbs, indicating the manner in which something is done. As philosophical and scientific discourse began to focus more on causal relationships, particularly in the fields of logic, psychology, and natural sciences, the term gained prevalence. Understanding causal relationships became crucial in debates about free will, determinism, and the nature of reality. Over time, 'causally' has found its place in everyday language, although its usage is often restricted to more formal or academic contexts.


Word Frequency Rank

Positioned at #20,070, this word is part of extensive vocabulary. It's relatively rare in general usage but may be important in specific fields or formal writing.