Situations: meaning, definitions and examples

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situations

[ˌsɪtʃuˈeɪʃənz ]

Definitions

^{Context #1 | Noun}

in daily life

A set of circumstances in which one finds oneself; a state of affairs.

Synonyms

circumstances, conditions, scenario.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
situations	Refers to specific sets of circumstances or events at a particular time. During emergency situations, it's crucial to stay calm The job requires someone who can handle stressful situations
circumstances	Refers to the conditions or facts affecting a situation, often with a focus on external factors. Given the current economic circumstances, many businesses are struggling Under different circumstances, I might have agreed with you
conditions	Refers to the state of something, especially regarding its appearance, quality, or working order. Can also mean the factors affecting a situation. The car is in excellent condition Working conditions in the factory need to be improved
scenario	Refers to a sequence or development of events, often hypothetical or planned situations. The worst-case scenario would be the company going bankrupt In this scenario, we would need to evacuate immediately

Examples of usage

I have never been in such a difficult situation before.
The new manager handled the situation well.

^{Context #2 | Noun}

in social interactions

A particular or striking complex of affairs at a stage in the action of a narrative or drama.

Synonyms

circumstances, scenario, setting.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
situations	General term for various conditions or contexts, often used synonymously with 'circumstances'. She handled the situations with great composure Sometimes, situations can change unexpectedly
scenario	Hypothetical or imagined situation that helps in planning or understanding possible outcomes. In an emergency scenario, you should follow these steps We discussed various scenarios for the project
circumstances	Details surrounding an event or condition, often used to describe specific factors that affect an outcome. Given the circumstances, we had to cancel the event Different circumstances can lead to different decisions
setting	Physical or social environment where something occurs. Often used in literature, theater, or formal events. The setting of the novel is a small village in France The wedding took place in a picturesque outdoor setting

Examples of usage

The tense situation between the two countries finally eased.
The situation in the movie was intense and gripping.

^{Context #3 | Noun}

in work or business

The overall state of things as they are related to the profitability of a business.

Synonyms

condition, position, state.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
situations	Use 'situations' to describe specific sets of circumstances or conditions at a particular time and place. Different situations require different approaches She excelled at handling difficult situations
position	Use 'position' when referring to a place or level in a hierarchy or in a physical space. He was promoted to the position of manager last year Please take your position at the starting line
state	Use 'state' to refer to the condition that someone or something is in at a particular time, often relating to health, emotions, or existence. She was in a state of shock after the accident The building is currently in a dilapidated state

Word

Description / Examples

situations

Use 'situations' to describe specific sets of circumstances or conditions at a particular time and place.

Different situations require different approaches
She excelled at handling difficult situations

position

Use 'position' when referring to a place or level in a hierarchy or in a physical space.

He was promoted to the position of manager last year
Please take your position at the starting line

state

Use 'state' to refer to the condition that someone or something is in at a particular time, often relating to health, emotions, or existence.

She was in a state of shock after the accident
The building is currently in a dilapidated state

Examples of usage

The company is facing a difficult financial situation.
We need to analyze the market situation before making any decisions.

Interesting Facts

Etymology

This word comes from the Latin root 'situatio', which means 'a placing' or 'position'.
The shift into English occurred in the 1600s, originally referring to both physical and abstract positions.
Over time, its meaning has expanded to encompass both real-life circumstances and hypothetical scenarios.

Psychology

Different people react to situations in various ways, influenced by their past experiences and emotions.
Cognitive psychology studies how individuals perceive and make sense of situations, impacting decision-making.
Social psychologists focus on how situations shape behavior, illustrating the power of context in our interactions.

Literature

Many classic novels explore complex situations that characters must navigate, thus driving the plot forward.
Situational irony is a common literary device where the expected outcome differs from what actually happens, adding depth to storytelling.
Joseph Conrad’s works often depict characters facing morally ambiguous situations, highlighting human nature's nuances.

Pop Culture

Reality TV shows thrive on presenting unexpected situations, showcasing how people react under pressure.
In movies, climactic situations often lead to character development and transformative journeys.
Stand-up comedians frequently draw humor from everyday situations, making them relatable and engaging for the audience.

Education

Role-playing exercises in classrooms simulate real-life situations, helping students develop problem-solving skills.
Case studies in business education present practical situations for analysis, preparing students for real-world challenges.
Teachers often guide students to analyze different situations to enhance critical thinking and adaptability.

Translations

Translations of the word "situations" in other languages:

🇵🇹 situações

🇮🇳 परिस्थितियाँ

🇩🇪 Situationen

🇮🇩 situasi

🇺🇦 ситуації

🇵🇱 sytuacje

🇯🇵 状況

🇫🇷 situations

🇪🇸 situaciones

🇹🇷 durumlar

🇰🇷 상황들

🇸🇦 مواقف

🇨🇿 situace

🇸🇰 situácie

🇨🇳 情况

🇸🇮 situacije

🇮🇸 aðstæður

🇰🇿 жағдайлар

🇬🇪 სიტუაციები

🇦🇿 vəziyyətlər

🇲🇽 situaciones

Word Frequency Rank

At position #2,106, this word belongs to solid intermediate vocabulary. It's frequently used in both casual and formal contexts and is worth learning for better fluency.

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2103 doctor
2104 corporate
2105 defendants
2106 situations
2107 escape
2108 vertical
2109 realized
...