circumstantive,a.rare—1.|ˈsɜːkəmstæntɪv| [f. L. circumstantia circumstance + -ive: cf.substantive.] Of or pertaining to circumstance: as, the circumstantive relations expressed by adverbs. 1866Pall Mall G. 12 Sept. 10 Urchins condemned..to plunge into the mysteries of circumstantive relations.