Circumstance: meaning, definitions and examples

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circumstance

 

[ ˈsɜːrkəmstəns ]

Context #1 | Noun

in a difficult situation

A condition, fact, or event that makes a situation difficult or that makes it different from what is normal or expected.

Synonyms

condition, event, situation

Examples of usage

  • The company is struggling financially due to the current economic circumstances.
  • She managed to remain calm in spite of the challenging circumstances.
Context #2 | Noun

factors affecting an event

A fact or condition connected with or relevant to an event or action.

Synonyms

conditions, factors, variables

Examples of usage

  • The circumstances of the crime led police to suspect an inside job.
  • Given the circumstances, I think we should postpone the meeting.
Context #3 | Noun

surrounding environment

The conditions or surroundings in which someone lives or operates.

Synonyms

conditions, environment, surroundings

Examples of usage

  • He grew up in humble circumstances, but he worked hard to achieve success.
  • She was accustomed to luxury from an early age, thanks to her wealthy circumstances.

Translations

Translations of the word "circumstance" in other languages:

🇵🇹 circunstância

🇮🇳 परिस्थिति

🇩🇪 Umstand

🇮🇩 keadaan

🇺🇦 обставина

🇵🇱 okoliczność

🇯🇵 状況 (じょうきょう)

🇫🇷 circonstance

🇪🇸 circunstancia

🇹🇷 durum

🇰🇷 상황 (상태)

🇸🇦 ظرف

🇨🇿 okolnost

🇸🇰 okolnosť

🇨🇳 情况 (qíngkuàng)

🇸🇮 okoliščina

🇮🇸 aðstæður

🇰🇿 жағдай

🇬🇪 გარემოება

🇦🇿 şərait

🇲🇽 circunstancia

Etymology

The word 'circumstance' originates from the Latin word 'circumstantia', meaning 'surrounding condition'. It entered the English language in the 13th century with the sense 'conditions surrounding and accompanying an event'. Over time, it evolved to encompass various meanings related to situations, events, and surroundings.

Word Frequency Rank

With rank #4,413, this word represents useful upper-intermediate vocabulary. Understanding and using it will help you express more complex ideas effectively.