Circumstance
/ˈsɜːrkəmstæns/
Definitions
A condition, fact, or event that accompanies or influences something else.
/ˈsɜːrkəmstæns/
A fact or condition connected with or relevant to an event or action.
The circumstances surrounding the accident are still unclear.
💡 Simply: Circumstances are things that happen around an event that change how we see it. Like if it's raining (circumstance), you might decide to stay inside (event).
👶 For kids: Things that happen that make a story different.
More Examples
Due to unforeseen circumstances, the concert has been canceled.
How It's Used
"The court considered all the circumstances before reaching a verdict."
"Under the circumstances, it's best to postpone the meeting."
Idioms & expressions
under the circumstances
Considering the current situation.
"Under the circumstances, I think we should postpone the trip."
From Middle English *circumstaunce, from Anglo-French *circumstance, from Latin circumstantia, from circumstare "to stand around," from circum "around" + stare "to stand."
The word has been used in a similar sense throughout its history, referring to the events and conditions surrounding an action or event.
Memory tip
Think of 'circum-' meaning 'around' and 'stance' meaning 'position' – the factors surrounding a situation.
Word Origin
"to stand around"