circumstance

The definition of a circumstance is a state that you are in, the details surrounding a situation, or a condition that causes something to occur.

(noun)

An example of a circumstance is when you are very poor.

See circumstance in Webster's New World College Dictionary

noun

a fact or event accompanying another, either incidentally or as an essential condition or determining factor: circumstances alter cases
any happening or fact; event
conditions surrounding and affecting a person, esp. financial conditions: in comfortable circumstances
chance; luck: circumstance would have it so
ceremony; show: pomp and circumstance
1. accompanying or surrounding detail
2. fullness of detail

Origin: OFr < L circumstantia, a standing around, condition < circumstare < circum, around + stare, stand

to place in certain circumstances

Related Forms:

See circumstance in American Heritage Dictionary 4

noun

A condition or fact attending an event and having some bearing on it; a determining or modifying factor.
A condition or fact that determines or must be considered in the determining of a course of action.
The sum of determining factors beyond willful control. Often used in the plural: a victim of circumstance; work that will begin on Monday if circumstances permit.
circumstances Financial status or means: “Prior came of a good family, much reduced in circumstances” (George Sherburn).
Detail accompanying or surrounding an event, as in a narrative or series of events.
Formal display; ceremony: the pomp and circumstance of a coronation.
A particular incident or occurrence: Your arrival was a fortunate circumstance. See Synonyms at occurrence.