Circumstance

/ˈsɜːrkəmstæns/

Meaning & Definition

noun
A fact or condition connected with or relevant to an event or action.
Under the circumstances, we had no choice but to leave early.
The conditions or facts affecting a situation.
The circumstances of her arrival were quite surprising.
A situation or occurrence that influences an event.
Circumstances changed drastically after the storm hit the area.
The overall situation in which a person lives or operates.
He was raised in difficult circumstances but still managed to succeed.

Etymology

From Middle English 'circumstaunce', from Old French 'circonstance', from Latin 'circumstantia', meaning 'surrounding condition'.

Common Phrases and Expressions

under the circumstances
In light of the given situation.
in any circumstances
Regardless of the situation.
circumstances permitting
If the situation allows.
changing circumstances
Alterations in the current situation.

Related Words

situation
A set of conditions; the state of affairs.
event
An occurrence or happening.
factor
An element that contributes to a result.

Slang Meanings

No way around it
In this circumstance, there’s no way around it; we have to comply.
That's life
It’s just one of those circumstances; that’s life.