circumstance
/ˈsɚkəmˌstæns/
noun
plural
circumstances
plural
circumstances
Britannica Dictionary definition of CIRCUMSTANCE
1
[count]
:
a condition or fact that affects a situation
—
usually plural
-
If our business is to survive, we must be able to adapt to changing circumstances.
-
It is impossible under these circumstances to meet our deadline.
-
Do not, under any circumstances, open that door. = Under no circumstances are you to open that door. [=no matter what happens, do not open that door]
-
Due to circumstances beyond our control [=things that have happened that we cannot change or influence], the flight is canceled.
-
There is nothing we can do under the circumstances. [=in this specific situation]
-
Given the circumstances, I think we did well. [=when you consider how everything went, I think we did well]
2
circumstances
[plural]
:
the way something happens
:
the specific details of an event
3
:
an event or situation that you cannot control
[noncount]
[plural]
4
circumstances
[plural]
:
the conditions in which someone lives
-
Their circumstances changed dramatically after she lost her job.
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I don't know anything about his financial circumstances. [=about how much money he has]
-
They have been forced to live in reduced circumstances. [=to live with less money]
pomp and circumstance
—
see pomp