circumstance

cir-cum-stance · noun

imported

Definitions

noun

  1. 1.

    A fact or condition connected with or relevant to an event or action.

  2. 2.

    One's state of financial or material welfare.

  3. 3.

    Formal ceremony and public display.

Forms

plural: circumstances

Phrases & expressions

  • •
    under the circumstances — Given the situation.
  • •
    in/under no circumstances — Never, not for any reason.
  • •
    pomp and circumstance — Formal ceremony and splendid display.
  • •
    victim of circumstance — Someone affected by uncontrollable events.

Related words

See also: condition, context, situation
Synonyms: condition, context, factor, situation

Etymology

From Old French circonstance, from Latin circumstantia ("surrounding condition"), from circumstare ("to stand around"), from circum ("around") + stare ("to stand").