Circumstances Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations
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circumstances
[ˈsɜːrkəmstənsɪz ]
Definitions
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.
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| circumstances |
Use when referring to specific details or factors that influence an event or condition, often involving complexities or particular scenarios.
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| situation |
Best when referring to a particular set of circumstances or the general state of affairs at a given moment, often more immediate and can be temporary.
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| conditions |
Used to describe the state of something, often relating to physical aspects or health, but can also refer to rules or requirements.
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| environment |
Appropriate when talking about the surroundings or external factors influencing something, often encompasses natural, social, or cultural elements.
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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.
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.
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| circumstances |
Use this word when referring to the overall situation or environment affecting someone or something at a particular time.
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| factors |
It is used when discussing the different elements that contribute to a result or situation.
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| conditions |
This word is used to describe the state of something, especially in terms of its appearance, quality, or working order.
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| evidence |
This term is appropriate when talking about information or signs that help to prove something or support a hypothesis.
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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.
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.
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| circumstances |
Describes the surrounding details or environment in which an event happens and often focuses on the cause and effect. Frequently used in legal, formal or serious contexts.
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| conditions |
Refers to the state or quality of something, often used to describe health, working environment, or living environment. It focuses on the nature and features rather than the situation or cause.
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| factors |
Points to specific elements or causes that contribute to a result or situation. Often used in analysis or discussions to identify key components.
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| situations |
A more general term for any combination of circumstances or conditions; often used to describe a specific moment or event. It is less formal and can be more versatile.
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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
To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.
Interesting Facts
Literature
- In many classic novels, characters' choices are deeply influenced by their circumstances, demonstrating how environment shapes behavior.
- Shakespeare often highlighted how circumstances could twist fate, portraying characters caught by chance and external pressures.
- Modern stories frequently use circumstances to explore themes of resilience and adaptability, showing how characters rise above challenges.
Psychology
- In psychology, the 'circumstances' surrounding a person's situation can greatly impact their mental health and decision-making.
- Research has shown that individuals facing adverse circumstances develop unique coping strategies, illustrating human resilience.
- The concept of situational ethics argues that morality can change based on the specific circumstances of a situation.
Pop Culture
- Many hit songs talk about love and heartbreak, often highlighting how circumstances can change relationships over time.
- Reality television thrives on the drama created by various circumstances that contestants face in unusual settings.
- The phrase 'under the circumstances' is commonly used in movies and series to justify character actions based on their current conditions.
Philosophy
- Philosophical discussions often center around how much control we have over our circumstances versus the role of fate.
- Existentialists argue that individuals must create meaning in their lives, regardless of the circumstances they find themselves in.
- The concept of 'circumstantial evidence' in legal philosophy illustrates how different circumstances can lead to different interpretations of truth.
Origin of 'circumstances'
Main points about word origin
- The word comes from the Latin 'circumstantia', meaning 'surrounding', which reflects how things around us can influence outcomes.
- It has been used in English since the late 14th century, initially referring to external conditions.
- The prefix 'circum-' means 'around', hinting that circumstances include all factors that surround us.
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.