1. of, relating to, or being an epiphenomenon; occurring as a secondary effect or byproduct without causal influence on the primary phenomenon
Usage: philosophy, psychology; formal

Examples

• Some philosophers argue that consciousness is epiphenomenal, merely accompanying brain activity without influencing behavior.
• The theory suggests that emotions might be epiphenomenal to decision-making rather than driving it.
• Critics claim the study treats cultural factors as epiphenomenal rather than as genuine causes.
• In this model, subjective experience is epiphenomenal—a side effect of neural processes.
• The researcher questioned whether the observed symptoms were truly causal or merely epiphenomenal.