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Definition of circumstance

circumstance

/ˈsɜːr.kəm.stæns/
cir · cum · stance
Adverb:circumstantially
•
Plural:circumstances
•
Adjective:circumstantial
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circumstance Lexical Profile

circumstance Game Scores & Validity

• noun

1

A fact, condition, or detail connected with or relevant to an event, situation, or action.

Example

"The committee decided to extend the application deadline due to an unforeseen circumstance."

2

A person's material, financial, or social welfare and status (characteristically used in the plural).

Example

"After inheriting the family estate, the young scholar found himself in much more comfortable circumstances."

3

Elaborate ceremony, formal display, or public pageantry accompanying an official event.

Example

"The university commencement was celebrated with all the traditional pomp and circumstance."

Synonyms
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Antonyms
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• Nearby Words

circumnavigate
circumnavigator
circumspectly
circumstance
circumstantial
circumstantially
circumvent

Word Origin & Etymology

Borrowed via Old French from Latin 'circumstantia' (meaning 'a surrounding condition'), derived from 'circumstare', a compound of 'circum' ('around') and 'stare' ('to stand').

Cite this Entry

Wordmom. (2026). Definition of Circumstance. In Wordmom Dictionary. Retrieved Nov 5, 2026, from https://wordmom.com/dictionary/circumstance
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