# causality

/ˌkɔˈzɑɫɪti/ (US) · /kɔːsˈælɪti/ (UK) · CEFR C1 · Noun

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/causality
Updated: 2026-05-19

## Definition

the relationship between two things where one causes the other to happen. It is the idea that one event makes another event happen.

For teachers: the relationship between an event and a second event that occurs as a direct consequence. Often used in scientific or philosophical contexts to describe the mechanism of cause and effect.

## Examples

- The study shows a clear causality between smoking and lung disease.
- Researchers are trying to establish the causality between the new drug and the patient's improved health.
- In physics, the principle of causality ensures that an effect cannot occur before its cause, maintaining a logical order within the universe.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.
