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circumstance

cir·cum·stance

noun \ˈsər-k^əm-ˌstan(t)s, -stən(t)s\

Definition of CIRCUMSTANCE

a : a condition, fact, or event accompanying, conditioning, or determining another : an essential or inevitable concomitant <the weather is a circumstance to be taken into consideration> b : a subordinate or accessory fact or detail <cost is a minor circumstance in this case> c : a piece of evidence that indicates the probability or improbability of an event (as a crime) <the circumstance of the missing weapon told against him> <the circumstances suggest murder>

a : the sum of essential and environmental factors (as of an event or situation) <constant and rapid change in economic circumstance — G. M. Trevelyan> b : state of affairs : eventuality <open rebellion was a rare circumstance> —often used in plural <a victim of circumstances> c plural : situation with regard to wealth <he was in easy circumstances> <rose from difficult circumstances>

: attendant formalities and ceremonial <pride, pomp, and circumstance of glorious war — Shakespeare>

: an event that constitutes a detail (as of a narrative or course of events) <considering each circumstance in turn>

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Examples of CIRCUMSTANCE

I can't imagine a circumstance in which I would do that.
The circumstances of his death are suspicious.
She says that her client is a victim of circumstance and should not be blamed for the accident.
He was a victim of circumstances.

Origin of CIRCUMSTANCE

Middle English, from Anglo-French, from Latin circumstantia, from circumstant-, circumstans, present participle of circumstare to stand around, from circum- + stare to stand — more at stand

First Known Use: 13th century