Word
circumstance
Phoneticscir·cum·stance, stress on the first syllable
US/ˈsɝkəmˌstæns/
UK/sˈɜːkəmstˌæns/
Definitions
01surrounding facts
B2 · Upper Intermediate Countable noun
n. a fact or condition that is connected to an event or action.
n. a condition or fact that accompanies or determines the nature of an event. Often used in the plural to describe the context of an action.
“The police are still investigating the circumstances of the accident.”
“The committee must consider the mitigating circumstances before deciding whether to expel the student for his conduct.”
Usage
Commonly used in the plural form 'circumstances' when referring to a general situation.
Pitfall
In these circumstances, we must wait.
Under these circumstances, we must wait.
While 'in' is sometimes used, 'under' is the more common and idiomatic preposition for this phrase.
02life situation
B2 · Upper Intermediate Plural noun Formal
n. the situation you are in, especially how much money you have.
n. the state of one's financial or social affairs; one's worldly estate.
“Due to a change in her personal circumstances, she had to move to a smaller house.”
“He found himself in reduced circumstances after the family business collapsed during the economic downturn.”
Usage
Almost always plural in this sense.
Teaching tip
This is a polite way to talk about someone's wealth or lack of it.
03ceremony
C1 · Advanced Uncountable noun Literary · Formal
n. formal activities or ceremonies.
n. ceremonial display or formal ritual; often paired with 'pomp'.
“The king was crowned with great pomp and circumstance.”
“The state funeral was conducted with all the pomp and circumstance befitting a former head of state.”
Usage
Most commonly found in the fixed idiom 'pomp and circumstance'.
Collocations
Common phrases and expressions where native English speakers use the word “circumstance” in context.
Adjective
01. economic circumstance
“The family's economic circumstance improved significantly after they both found better-paying jobs.”
adj + noun
02. particular circumstance
“In this particular circumstance, we are willing to make an exception to our standard refund policy.”
adj + noun
03. social circumstance
“A person's social circumstance can often influence their access to higher education.”
adj + noun
04. specific circumstance
“The law was designed to protect citizens under this specific circumstance.”
adj + noun
Real-World Examples
“The Assist Us To Live group says people are currently being "failed by society" and "introducing assisted dying in these circumstances will put sick and disabled people's lives at risk".” “Hanen Keskes, Greenpeace’s head of campaigns for the MENA region, said the circumstances of the spill made it “especially challenging” to respond to.” Etymology
From Middle English circumstaunce, from Old French circonstance, from Latin circumstantia.
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
Word family
NOUN
ADJECTIVE
- Exam level
- CambridgeCambridgeCambridge English QualificationsThe exam suite from Cambridge University Press & Assessment, from A1 Movers up to C2 Proficiency. The benchmark names double as CEFR labels.B2 FirstIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.5.5–6.5TOEFL iBTTOEFL iBTTest of English as a Foreign Language, Internet-Based TestETS's academic English test, the standard route for US university admissions. Scored 0–120, with a 1–6 scale since 2026.1–6 scale: 4.0–4.572–94TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.785–944
- Frequency
- Frequent
- Level
- B2 · Upper IntermediateOxford
- Updated
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