English Explanatory Dictionary

circumstance

English dictionary entry

Meanings

noun
  1. Something which is related to, or in some way affects, a fact or event.
  2. An event; a fact; a particular incident, occurrence, or condition (status).
  3. Evasive or indirect language; circumlocution.
  4. Condition in regard to worldly estate; state of property; situation; surroundings.
verb
  1. To place in a particular situation, especially with regard to money or other resources.

Pronunciation

/ˈsɜːkəmst(ə)ns/ /-ɑːns/ /-æns/ /ˈsɝ.kəmˌstæns/ /ˈsɜːkəmstæns/ /-aːns/ en-us-circumstance.ogg

Word forms

circumstance circumstances circumstaunce circumstancing circumstanced

Etymology

From Middle English circumstaunce, from Old French circonstance, from Latin circumstantia.

Synonyms

circumstance position posture

Related words

circumstantial coinstantial circumspection

Derived words

aggravating circumstance attendant circumstance attenuating circumstance exigent circumstance extenuating circumstance extenuating circumstances mitigating circumstance mitigating circumstances pomp and circumstance under no circumstance under the circumstances
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