Main Entry: cir·cum·stance

Pronunciation: \ˈsər-k^əm-ˌstan(t)s, -stən(t)s\

Function: noun

Etymology: 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

Date: 13th century

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>

synonyms see occurrence