circumstance
Intermediate (B1)
IPA: //ˈsɜːrkəmstæns//
KK: /ˈsɜrkəmstæns/
noun
Definition
A situation or condition that affects an event or action, often influencing what happens next.
Example
Due to unforeseen circumstances, the event was postponed.
Conversation
Have you ever thought about how different our lives would be under different circumstances?
Yeah, it's interesting to think about what could have happened.
I mean, if we had grown up in another country, our circumstances would have shaped us completely differently.
Absolutely! It makes you appreciate what you have now.
Synonyms & Antonyms
Synonyms
condition
situation
factor
Antonyms
inattention
indifference
neglect
transitive verb
Definition
To put someone or something in a specific situation or set of conditions.
Example
The teacher decided to circumstance the students in a way that encouraged teamwork.
Tense Forms
Past: circumstanced
Past Participle: circumstanced
Conversation
I feel like every time I travel, I end up in a strange circumstance.
Really? What happened this time?
I got stuck in a tiny hotel because of a booking mistake; it was quite the circumstance.
Root Explanation
Circumstance → It is formed from "circum-" (meaning around) and "stare" (meaning to stand). The word refers to the conditions or facts that stand around a situation or event.
Memory Tip
Think of the conditions that 'stand around' a situation — 'circum-' means around, and 'stare' means to stand.
Visually Confused Words
uncircumstanced