circumstance

noun

1. (countable, uncountable)Something which is related to, or in some way affects, a fact or event.

   “The report should focus on to the current circumstances of the organisation, to help us find a way to grow in the future.”

   “She went missing in somewhat spooky circumstances.”

   “A victim of circumstance.”

   “She performed well under/in/given the circumstances.”

   “The circumstances are well known in the country where they happened.”

2. (countable, uncountable)An event; a fact; a particular incident, occurrence, or condition (status).

   “I have ſeen Two or Three antique Buſts of Alexander in the ſame Air and Poſture, and am apt to think the Sculptor had in his Thoughts the Conqueror's weeping for new Worlds, or ſome other the like Circumſtance of his History.”

   “Then another circumstance happened, which made a lasting impression on my memory, though I was but a small child.”

3. (archaic, countable, uncountable)Evasive or indirect language; circumlocution.

   “Right, you are in the right, and therefore / I holde it meet without more circumſtance at all, / Wee ſhake hands and part; […]”

   “But he (as louing his owne pride, and purpoſes) / Euades them, with a bumbaſt Circumſtance, / Horribly ſtufft with Epithites of warre,”

   “Old Ger. You put vs to a needeleſſe labour ſir, / To runne and winde about for circumſtance, / When the plaine word, I thanke you, would have ſeru'd.”

4. (countable, uncountable)Condition in regard to worldly estate; state of property; situation; surroundings.

   “She was born into comfortable circumstances.”

   “When men are eaſy in their circumſtances, they are naturally enemies to innovations: […]”

verb

1. To place in a particular situation, especially with regard to money or other resources.

   “Frank muttered something. Tidings had in some shape reached his ears that his father was not comfortably circumstanced as regarded money.”

   “While also taxing Ferrein with the same motives, Diderot's account of his doings is much more circumstanced than La Mettrie's, and also much more amusing, thanks to the interpolation of the «bijoux» motif.”