circumstance
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About Our Definitions: All forms of a word (noun, verb, etc.) are now displayed on one page.cir·cum·stance
noun \ˈsər-kəm-ˌstan(t)s, -stən(t)s\Definition of CIRCUMSTANCE
1
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>
2
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>
3
: attendant formalities and ceremonial <pride, pomp, and circumstance of glorious war — Shakespeare>
4
: an event that constitutes a detail (as of a narrative or course of events) <considering each circumstance in turn>
See 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
Related to CIRCUMSTANCE
Rhymes with CIRCUMSTANCE
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