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

Merino equalised for Arsenal just before the hour but Chelsea dug in and held out in difficult circumstances.

From Barron's

"I want you to know that your parents, your grandparents and many Spaniards, united, managed to carry out an exemplary transition" in "very complex circumstances", he added with a Spanish flag fluttering in the background.

From Barron's

Authorities say an investigation has been launched to determine the exact circumstances of Ekane's death.

From BBC

Honestly, the whole discussion reeks of College Football Brain, that cross-affliction of entitlement and exceptionalism in which the most bizarre circumstances are treated as routine business.

From The Wall Street Journal

After the ruling, ICE released guidance directing agents to generally give migrants slated for removal to a third country “at least 24 hours” notice, but as little as six hours in “exigent circumstances.”

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

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