circumstance

[sur-kuhm-stans, -stuhns]

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

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.

circumstance

/ 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

verb

1. to place in a particular condition or situation

2. obsolete,  to give in detail

Word History and Origins

Origin of circumstance¹

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

Word History and Origins

Origin of circumstance¹

C13: from Old French circonstance, from Latin circumstantia, from circumstāre to stand around, from _circum- + stāre to stand

Idioms and Phrases

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.

see extenuating circumstances; under the circumstances.

Example Sentences

There was also an acceptance of mitigating circumstances and fine lines, underlining the hope it would work.

Read more on BBC

The new Chief Constable of Dyfed Powys Police, Ifan Charles, said police had worked "exceptionally hard to understand all the circumstances of this tragic incident".

Read more on BBC

But the court ruled that his high sentence was "appropriate due to the nature and circumstances of the offense and the history and characteristics of the defendant".

Read more on BBC

Most are ineligible for unemployment benefits, but in certain circumstances and in certain states, they can receive them.

Read more on The Wall Street Journal

"We would encourage any customer who is concerned about their ability to pay to reach out to us so we can assess the right package of support for their circumstances."

Read more on BBC

Related Words

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