First Known Use: 13th century
Dictionary
circumstance
noun cir·cum·stance \ˈsər-kəm-ˌstan(t)s, -stən(t)s\
: a condition or fact that affects a situation
circumstances : the way something happens : the specific details of an event
: an event or situation that you cannot control
Full Definition of CIRCUMSTANCE
1
a : a condition, fact, or event accompanying, conditioning, or determining another : an essential or inevitable concomitant <the weather is a circumstance to be taken into consideration> b : a subordinate or accessory fact or detail <cost is a minor circumstance in this case> c : a piece of evidence that indicates the probability or improbability of an event (as a crime) <the circumstance of the missing weapon told against him> <the circumstances suggest murder>
2
a : the sum of essential and environmental factors (as of an event or situation) <constant and rapid change in economic circumstance — G. M. Trevelyan> b : state of affairs : eventuality <open rebellion was a rare circumstance> —often used in plural <a victim of circumstances> c plural : situation with regard to wealth <he was in easy circumstances> <rose from difficult circumstances>
3
: attendant formalities and ceremonial <pride, pomp, and circumstance of glorious war — Shakespeare>
4
: an event that constitutes a detail (as of a narrative or course of events) <considering each circumstance in turn>
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Origin of CIRCUMSTANCE
Middle English, from Anglo-French, from Latin circumstantia, from circumstant-, circumstans, present participle of circumstare to stand around, from circum- + stare to stand — more at stand
Synonym Discussion of CIRCUMSTANCE
occurrence, event, incident, episode, circumstance mean something that happens or takes place. occurrence may apply to a happening without intent, volition, or plan <an encounter that was a chance occurrence>. event usually implies an occurrence of some importance and frequently one having antecedent cause <the events following the assassination>. incident suggests an occurrence of brief duration or secondary importance <a minor wartime incident>. episode stresses the distinctiveness or apartness of an incident <a brief romantic episode in a life devoted to work>. circumstance implies a specific detail attending an action or event as part of its setting or background <couldn't recall the exact circumstances>.
Rhymes with CIRCUMSTANCE
CIRCUMSTANCE Defined for Kids
circumstance
noun cir·cum·stance \ˈsər-kəm-ˌstans\
Definition of CIRCUMSTANCE for Kids
1
: a fact or event that affects a situation <Illness is the only circumstance that will excuse your absence.>
2
circumstances plural : conditions at a certain time or place <Under the circumstances, I think we did well.>
3
circumstances plural : the way something happens <Please explain the circumstances of the accident.>
4
circumstances plural : the conditions in which someone lives <“When the Lord puts us in certain circumstances He doesn't mean for us to imagine them away.” — Lucy Maud Montgomery, Anne of Green Gables>
5
: an uncontrollable event or situation <a victim of circumstance>
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