Circumstantiality

/ˌsɜːkəmˌstænʃiˈælɪti/ noun

Definition

The quality of being detailed and specific; the inclusion of many relevant facts and conditions in a description or account.

Etymology

From circumstantial + -ity suffix. Circumstantial derives from circumstance (Latin circum- + stare 'to stand around'). The -ity suffix converts the adjective into a noun describing the quality itself.

Kelly Says

In psychiatry, circumstantiality is when someone gives you an answer but takes forever because they include every single detail and digression along the way—it's the tendency to be hyper-detailed rather than direct. It's the opposite of getting to the point!

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