circumstance
SUR-kuhmstns
Circumstance (noun) means a fact or condition connected to an event, which affects how it happens or is understood. Example: “Under different circumstances, she might have accepted the offer.”
noun
1
A fact or condition connected to an event, which affects how it happens or is understood.
"She went missing in somewhat spooky circumstances."
"The report should focus on to the current circumstances of the organisation, to help us find a way to grow in the future."
"Under different circumstances, she might have accepted the offer."
"The police investigated the exact circumstances of the accident."
"Because of the circumstances, the teacher decided to excuse his late homework."
"A victim of circumstance."
How to use circumstance
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishA detail or condition surrounding a situation that affects what happens or how it should be judged.
Common pairings
under the circumstances
extenuating circumstances
unforeseen circumstances
Vocabulary Flow
Build your vocabulary from words like circumstance.
Vocabulary Flow serves the next word, and the next — meaning, pronunciation and an example each time. Practice at your level, or learn English in your own language.
Start vocabulary practice
Word forms
- Plural
- circumstances
- Third person singular
- circumstances
- Past tense
- circumstanced
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
Under different _____, she might have accepted the offer.
Etymology
From Old French circonstance, from Latin circumstantia — literally "a standing around", from circum ("around") plus stare ("to stand").
Synonyms
View more →Related words
Rhymes for circumstance
See all rhymes for circumstance →Frequently asked questions
What does “circumstance” mean?
The word “circumstance” means a fact or condition connected to an event, which affects how it happens or is understood. In plain terms, a detail or condition surrounding a situation that affects what happens or how it should be judged.
How do you pronounce “circumstance”?
“Circumstance” is pronounced SUR-kuhmstns (/ˈsɝ.kəmˌstæns/ in IPA).
How do you use “circumstance” in a sentence?
Here is “circumstance” used in a sentence: “Under different circumstances, she might have accepted the offer.”
What is another word for “circumstance”?
Words with a similar meaning to “circumstance” include position and posture.
What part of speech is “circumstance”?
“Circumstance” is a noun.
Where does the word “circumstance” come from?
The word “circumstance” comes from Latin. From Old French circonstance, from Latin circumstantia — literally "a standing around", from circum ("around") plus stare ("to stand").
Is “circumstance” a common word?
“Circumstance” is an uncommon word in modern English, usually learned at around the B2 level.
What is the difference between "circumstance" and "situation"?
A "circumstance" is a single fact or condition that affects how an event happens or is understood, while a "situation" is the broader combination of circumstances existing at a particular time. Circumstances are the individual pieces; a situation is the overall picture they form.
Should you say "under the circumstances" or "in the circumstances"?
Both are used, though "under the circumstances" is more common, especially in American English, and suggests the circumstances are constraining or influencing an action. "In the circumstances" appears more often in British English and simply refers to the conditions surrounding an event.
What does it mean to say someone is in "reduced circumstances"?
It means their financial condition has worsened, referring to a decline from a more comfortable standard of living. Here "circumstances" refers specifically to someone's material or financial condition.
Featured in
Vocabulary lists that include circumstance:
