circumstance

 
Pronunciation: /ˈsəːkəmst(ə)ns/

noun

  • 1 (usually circumstances) a fact or condition connected with or relevant to an event or action: we wanted to marry but circumstances didn’t permit
  • an event or fact that causes or helps to cause something to happen, typically something undesirable: he was found dead but there were no suspicious circumstances [mass noun]: they were thrown together by circumstance
  • 2 (circumstances) one’s state of financial or material welfare: the artists are living in reduced circumstances
  • 3 archaic ceremony and public display: pomp and circumstance

Phrases

circumstances alter cases

proverb one’s opinion or treatment of someone or something may vary according to the prevailing circumstances.

under (or in) the circumstances

given the difficult nature of the situation: she had every right to be cross under the circumstances

under (or in) no circumstances

never, whatever the situation is or might be: under no circumstances may the child be identified

Derivatives

circumstanced

adjective

Origin:

Middle English: from Old French circonstance or Latin circumstantia, from circumstare 'encircle, encompass', from circum 'around' + stare 'stand'