causality
The relationship between cause and effect; the principle that everything has a cause
Examples
In a meeting
“We need to establish causality, not just correlation, before claiming the feature drove revenue growth.”
Over coffee
“The documentary explored the causality between diet and longevity in different populations.”
Why this word
cause
Causality refers to the principle or relationship of cause and effect, while cause is just the agent that produces an effect
connection
Connection is vague and could mean any relationship; causality specifically means one thing directly causes another
relationship
Relationship is too broad; causality specifies a directional influence where one event produces another
Usage tip
Critical in research and data analysis to distinguish from mere correlation. Use when discussing whether one thing actually causes another, not just relates to it.
Etymology
Latin causalis (relating to a cause) from causa (cause, reason)
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Related words
diagnose
To identify the cause or nature of a problem through examination.
fundamental
Forming a necessary base or core; of central importance.
extrapolate
Extend known information to predict unknown outcomes
distinguish
To recognize or identify the difference between things
unpack
To analyze and explain something complex in detail
granular
Characterized by a high level of detail