Dictionary
cir•cum•stance
Pronunciation: (sûr'kum-stans" or, esp. Brit., -stuns), [key]
—n., v., -stanced, -stanc•ing.
—
n.
1. a condition, detail, part, or attribute, with respect to time, place, manner,agent, etc., that accompanies, determines, or modifies a fact or event; a modifying or influencing factor:
Do not judge his behavior without considering every circumstance.
2. Usually,
circumstances. the existing conditions or state of affairs surrounding and affecting an agent:
Circumstances permitting, we sail on Monday.
3. an unessential or secondary accompaniment of any fact or event; minor detail:
The author dwells on circumstances rather than essentials.
4. circumstances,the condition or state of a person with respect to income and material welfare:
a family in reduced circumstances.
5. an incident or occurrence:
His arrival was a fortunate circumstance.
6. detailed or circuitous narration; specification of particulars:
The speaker expatiated with great circumstance upon his theme.
7. Archaic.ceremonious accompaniment or display:
pomp and circumstance.
8. under no circumstances, regardless of events or conditions; never:
Under no circumstances should you see them again.
9. under the circumstances, because of the conditions; as the case stands:
Under the circumstances, there is little hope for an early settlement. Also,in the circumstances.
—
v.t.
1. to place in particular circumstances or relations:
The company was favorably circumstanced by the rise in tariffs.
2. Obs.
a. to furnish with details.
b. to control or guide by circumstances.
Random House Unabridged Dictionary, Copyright © 1997, by Random House, Inc., on Infoplease.
