circumstance
//ˈsɜːkəmst(ə)ns//
Forms
- Plural
- circumstances
- present (v1)
- circumstance
- past (v2)
- circumstanced
- past participle (v3)
- circumstanced
- present participle
- circumstancing
- 3rd person singular
- circumstances
Definitions
1.Something which is related to, or in some way affects, a fact or event.
- She went missing in somewhat spooky circumstances.
- She performed well under/in/given the circumstances.
- The circumstances are well known in the country where they happened.
2.An event; a fact; a particular incident, occurrence, or condition (status).
- Then another circumstance happened, which made a lasting impression on my memory, though I was but a small child.
3.Condition in regard to worldly estate; state of property; situation; surroundings.
- She was born into comfortable circumstances.
1.To place in a particular situation, especially with regard to money or other resources.
- Frank muttered something. Tidings had in some shape reached his ears that his father was not comfortably circumstanced as regarded money.
- While also taxing Ferrein with the same motives, Diderot's account of his doings is much more circumstanced than La Mettrie's, and also much more amusing, thanks to the interpolation of the «bijoux» motif.
Frequency
Overall
Common· #1889
By learning goal
- Everyday conversation
- Uncommon
- General reading & writing
- Common
- Academic
- Uncommon
- Literature
- Rare
Related words
Etymology
From Middle English circumstaunce
From Old French circonstance
From Latin circumstantia.