Circumstances: meaning, definitions and examples

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circumstances

 

[ ˈsɜːrkəmstənsɪz ]

Noun
Context #1 | Noun

in a difficult

The conditions or facts that affect a situation, event, or decision, especially when they are not good. Circumstances can refer to the overall condition in which someone lives or works. It can also refer to a particular situation or event.

Synonyms

conditions, environment, situation

Examples of usage

  • The circumstances of his childhood made him a resilient person.
  • Due to unforeseen circumstances, the event has been cancelled.
  • She found herself in difficult circumstances after losing her job.
Context #2 | Noun

in a legal setting

The conditions or facts that are relevant to a legal case or situation. Circumstances can include evidence, testimony, and other factors that influence the outcome of a legal proceeding.

Synonyms

conditions, evidence, factors

Examples of usage

  • The jury will consider all the circumstances of the case before reaching a verdict.
  • The circumstances surrounding the crime are still under investigation.
Context #3 | Noun

in a social context

The conditions or factors that influence or determine the behavior of individuals or groups in society. Circumstances can refer to economic, cultural, or political factors that impact people's lives.

Synonyms

conditions, factors, situations

Examples of usage

  • Her circumstances forced her to drop out of school and start working.
  • In certain circumstances, people are more likely to engage in risky behavior.

Translations

Translations of the word "circumstances" in other languages:

🇵🇹 circunstâncias

🇮🇳 परिस्थितियों

🇩🇪 Umstände

🇮🇩 keadaan

🇺🇦 обставини

🇵🇱 okoliczności

🇯🇵 状況 (じょうきょう)

🇫🇷 circonstances

🇪🇸 circunstancias

🇹🇷 koşullar

🇰🇷 상황 (sanghwang)

🇸🇦 ظروف

🇨🇿 okolnosti

🇸🇰 okolnosti

🇨🇳 情况 (qíngkuàng)

🇸🇮 okoliščine

🇮🇸 aðstæður

🇰🇿 жағдайлар

🇬🇪 გარემოებები

🇦🇿 şərait

🇲🇽 circunstancias

Etymology

The word 'circumstances' originated from the Latin word 'circumstantia', meaning 'a surrounding condition'. It entered the English language in the late 13th century. Over time, the word evolved to encompass various meanings related to the conditions or factors that surround a situation. 'Circumstances' has been widely used in legal, social, and everyday contexts to describe the context in which events unfold.

Word Frequency Rank

At #725 in the frequency ranking, this word is highly important for effective communication. It's commonly used in daily situations and should be prioritized in your vocabulary building.