circumstance Meaning, Definition & Usage

  1. noun a condition that accompanies or influences some event or activity
  2. noun the set of facts or circumstances that surround a situation or event
    setting; context.
    • the historical context
  3. noun information that should be kept in mind when making a decision
    consideration; condition.
    • another consideration is the time it would take
  4. noun formal ceremony about important occasions
    • pomp and circumstance

WordNet


Cir"cum*stance noun
Etymology
L. circumstantia, fr. circumstans, -antis, p. pr. of circumstare to stand around; circum + stare to stand. See Stand.
Definitions
  1. That which attends, or relates to, or in some way affects, a fact or event; an attendant thing or state of things.
    The circumstances are well known in the country where they happened. W. Irving.
  2. An event; a fact; a particular incident.
    The sculptor had in his thoughts the conqoeror weeping for new worlds, or the like circumstances in histery. Addison.
  3. Circumlocution; detail. Obs.
    So without more circumstance at all I hold it fit that shake hands and part. Shak.
  4. pl. Condition in regard to worldly estate; state of property; situation; surroundings.
    When men are easy in their circumstances, they are naturally enemies to innovations. Addison.
    Syn. -- Event; occurrence; incident; situation; condition; position; fact; detail; item. See Event.
Cir"cum*stance transitive verb
Definitions
  1. To place in a particular situation; to suppy relative incidents.
    The poet took the matters of fact as they came down to him and circumstanced them, after his own manner. Addison.

Webster 1913