01 n. That which attends, or relates to, or in some way affects, a fact or event; an attendant thing or state of things.
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1.
That which attends, or relates to, or in some way affects, a fact or event; an attendant thing or state of things.“The circumstances are well known in the country where they happened.” — W. Irving.
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2.
An event; a fact; a particular incident.“The sculptor had in his thoughts the conqueror weeping for new worlds, or the like circumstances in history.” — Addison.
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3.
Circumlocution; detail.[Obs.]“So without more circumstance at all I hold it fit that we shake hands and part.” — Shak.
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4.
Condition in regard to worldly estate; state of property; situation; surroundings.“When men are easy in their circumstances, they are naturally enemies to innovations.” — Addison.
Phrases & compounds
Not a circumstance —
of no account.
Under the circumstances —
taking all things into consideration.