circumstance

4 definitions • 14 examples

a fact or event that makes a situation the way it is:

under the circumstances I think she coped very well under the circumstances.

Obviously we can't deal with the problem until we know all the circumstances.

suspicious circumstances She died in suspicious circumstances.

in any circumstances We oppose capital punishment in any circumstances.

under any circumstances We will not quit under any circumstances.

under no circumstances Under no circumstances should you (= you should not) approach the man.

circumstances beyond someone's control The meeting has been cancelled due to circumstances beyond our control.

events that change your life, over which you have no control:

They were victims of circumstance.

force of circumstance We were obliged to go by force of circumstance.

how much money someone has:

Grants are available depending on your circumstances.

an event or condition connected with what is happening or has happened:

[ C ] The circumstances of the theft of the painting were not known.

[ C ] The circumstances surrounding his disappearance are under investigation.

[ C ] He said that under no circumstances was he returning to Phoenix.

[ U ] Mrs. Smith's lawyers say she was victim of circumstance, not a murderer.