circumstance

noun cir·cum·stance \ ˈsər-kᵊm-ˌstan(t)s , -stən(t)s \

|Updated on: 12 Aug 2018

Examples: circumstance in a Sentence

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 (see ²accessory 2) 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 (such 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 circumstances plural : situation with regard to wealth

he was in easy circumstances

rose from difficult circumstances

3 : attendant formalities and ritualistic display especially as contrasted with essential procedure

pride, pomp, and circumstance of glorious war
—William Shakespeare

4 : an event that constitutes a detail (as of a narrative or course of events)

considering each circumstance in turn

See circumstance defined for English-language learners

See circumstance defined for kids

Examples of circumstance in a Sentence

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.

Recent Examples of circumstance from the Web

So many of these people are in financially depressed circumstance and succumb to temptation.

— jessica anderson, baltimoresun.com, "10 plead guilty in prison smuggling scheme, authorities say," 12 July 2018
This clause, which curtails the government's ability to roll back the deduction under appropriate circumstances, has been the main point of contention between Bennett and Lieberman and the government.

— ariel kahana, Jewish Journal, "Lawmakers back tougher version of terrorist wages bill," 27 June 2018
If the person has a criminal or crossing record In this circumstance, they are charged with a felony and referred for criminal prosecution in a federal court.

— michael kiefer, azcentral, "What we know about 57 migrants rescued by Border Patrol in Arizona desert," 26 June 2018
The mother of father in that circumstance would not be prosecuted and the families are stayed together.

— Fox News, "Sessions defends zero tolerance immigration policy," 19 June 2018
Carly Wray co-wrote this episode, and also co-wrote the second episode of the season, which is the first appearance of Akecheta, albeit in a very different circumstance.

— josh wigler, The Hollywood Reporter, "'Westworld' Star on Finding "Loss And Love" in the Most Emotional Episode Yet," 10 June 2018
That morphed into this two-day ‘‘working visit’’ with much less pomp and circumstance amid concern about security and crowds in central London.

— danica kirka, BostonGlobe.com, "‘Trump Baby’ balloon takes flight amid protests in London," 13 July 2018
Even before the draft’s pomp and circumstance unfurled at Barclays Center in Brooklyn, N.Y., Lyles’ name was already on deck — in Utah.

— katherine fominykh, baltimoresun.com, "In 'uphill battle' to secure NBA roster spot, UMBC hero Jairus Lyles is still an underdog," 12 July 2018
In any circumstances, meeting Richard would be an honor.

— michael katz, idahostatesman, "His mother left him in a box. 31 years later, this Boisean has reunited with his father.," 12 July 2018

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'circumstance.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

Origin and Etymology 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

NEW! Time Traveler

First Known Use: 13th century

in the meaning defined at sense 1a

See Words from the same year

circumstance Synonyms

Synonyms

affair, episode, event, happening, incident, occasion, occurrence, thing;

Related Words

coincidence, fluke, freak;

landmark, milepost, milestone, page, phenomenon, turning point;

adventure, experience, time;

happenchance, happenstance;

accident, crisis, emergency, juncture;

achievement, deed, exploit, feat;

news, tidings;

Synonym Discussion of circumstance

occurrence, event, incident, episode, circumstance mean something that happens or takes place. occurrence may apply to a happening without intent, volition, or plan.

- an encounter that was a chance occurrence

event usually implies an occurrence of some importance and frequently one having antecedent cause.

- the events following the assassination

incident suggests an occurrence of brief duration or secondary importance.

- a minor wartime incident

episode stresses the distinctiveness or apartness of an incident.

- a brief romantic episode in a life devoted to work

circumstance implies a specific detail attending an action or event as part of its setting or background.

- couldn't recall the exact circumstances

CIRCUMSTANCE Defined for English Language Learners

circumstance

noun

Definition of circumstance for English Language Learners

: a condition or fact that affects a situation
circumstances : the way something happens : the specific details of an event
: an event or situation that you cannot control

CIRCUMSTANCE Defined for Kids

circumstance

noun cir·cum·stance \ ˈsər-kəm-ˌstans \

Definition of circumstance for Students

1 : a fact or event that affects a situation

Illness is the only circumstance that will excuse your absence.

2 circumstances plural : conditions at a certain time or place

Under the circumstances, I think we did well.

3 circumstances plural : the way something happens

Please explain the circumstances of the accident.

4 circumstances plural : the conditions in which someone lives

“When the Lord puts us in certain circumstances He doesn't mean for us to imagine them away.”
—Lucy Maud Montgomery, Anne of Green Gables

5 : an uncontrollable event or situation

a victim of circumstance

Law Dictionary

circumstance

noun cir·cum·stance

legal Definition of circumstance

1 a : a condition, fact, or event accompanying, conditioning, or determining another

must state with particularity the circumstances constituting fraud or mistake
—Federal Rules of Civil Procedure Rule 9(b)

b : a piece of evidence that indicates the probability or improbability of an event

a statement…offered to exculpate the accused is not admissible unless corroborating circumstances clearly indicate the trustworthiness of the statement
—State v. Lopez, 764 P.2d 1111 (1988)