circumstance

American  

[sur-kuhm-stans, -stuhns] / ˈsɜr kəmˌstæns, -stəns /

noun

1. a condition, detail, part, or attribute, with respect to time, place, manner, agent, etc., that accompanies, determines, or modifies a fact or event; a modifying or influencing factor.

   Do not judge his behavior without considering every circumstance.

2. Usually circumstances the existing conditions or state of affairs surrounding and affecting an agent.

   Circumstances permitting, we sail on Monday.

3. an unessential or secondary accompaniment of any fact or event; minor detail.

   The author dwells on circumstances rather than essentials.

4. circumstances, the condition or state of a person with respect to income and material welfare.

   a family in reduced circumstances.

5. an incident or occurrence.

   His arrival was a fortunate circumstance.

6. detailed or circuitous narration; specification of particulars.

   The speaker expatiated with great circumstance upon his theme.

7. Archaic. ceremonious accompaniment or display.

   pomp and circumstance.

   Synonyms:

   things, situation, conditions

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verb (used with object)

circumstanced, circumstancing

1. to place in particular circumstances or relations.

   The company was favorably circumstanced by the rise in tariffs.

2. Obsolete.

   1. to furnish with details.

   2. to control or guide by circumstances.

idioms

1. under the circumstances, because of the conditions; as the case stands: Also in the circumstances.

   Under the circumstances, there is little hope for an early settlement.

2. under no circumstances, regardless of events or conditions; never.

   Under no circumstances should you see them again.

circumstance British  

/ ˈsɜːkəmstəns /

noun

1. (usually plural) a condition of time, place, etc, that accompanies or influences an event or condition

2. an incident or occurrence, esp a chance one

3. accessory information or detail

4. formal display or ceremony (archaic except in the phrase pomp and circumstance )

5. in no case; never

6. because of conditions; this being the case

7. (of a person) in a bad financial situation

8. (of a person) in a good financial situation

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verb

1. to place in a particular condition or situation

2. obsolete to give in detail

circumstance More Idioms  

1. see extenuating circumstances; under the circumstances.

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Etymology

Origin of circumstance

First recorded in 1175–1225; Middle English, from Latin circumstantia ( circumstant-, stem of circumstāns, present participle of circumstāre “to stand round”), equivalent to circum- circum- + stā- stand + -nt present participle suffix + -ia noun suffix; -ance

Example Sentences

Beneficiary designations can also result in unintentionally unequal distributions if there’s more than one heir, and complications if the beneficiaries die first or aren’t changed appropriately as life circumstances change.

From Los Angeles Times

“The decision makes it clear that it is B.C.’s obligation to advance reconciliation in these circumstances,” she said.

From The Wall Street Journal

The circumstances surrounding how the person took control of the ambulance were not immediately clear.

From Los Angeles Times

“We are committed to the people of the country and would like to be there as part of rebuilding Venezuela’s economy in time when circumstances change.”

From The Wall Street Journal

They remain in contact, sharing messages and photographs - a bond formed in the worst of circumstances but sustained by gratitude.

From BBC

Related Words

• accident
• action
• case
• cause
• coincidence
• crisis
• detail
• event
• fact
• factor
• fate
• incident
• matter
• occurrence
• status
• thing
• time