circumstance Meaning, Definition & Usage

noun a condition that accompanies or influences some event or activity
noun the set of facts or circumstances that surround a situation or event
setting; context.
- the historical context
noun information that should be kept in mind when making a decision
consideration; condition.
- another consideration is the time it would take
noun formal ceremony about important occasions
- pomp and circumstance

L. circumstantia, fr. circumstans, -antis, p. pr. of circumstare to stand around; circum + stare to stand. See Stand.

That which attends, or relates to, or in some way affects, a fact or event; an attendant thing or state of things.
The circumstances are well known in the country where they happened. W. Irving.
An event; a fact; a particular incident.
The sculptor had in his thoughts the conqoeror weeping for new worlds, or the like circumstances in histery. Addison.
Circumlocution; detail. Obs.
So without more circumstance at all I hold it fit that shake hands and part. Shak.
pl. Condition in regard to worldly estate; state of property; situation; surroundings.
When men are easy in their circumstances, they are naturally enemies to innovations. Addison.
Syn. -- Event; occurrence; incident; situation; condition; position; fact; detail; item. See Event.

To place in a particular situation; to suppy relative incidents.
The poet took the matters of fact as they came down to him and circumstanced them, after his own manner. Addison.