n. 1 a a fact, occurrence, or condition, esp. (in pl.) the time, place, manner, cause, occasion etc., or surroundings of an act or event. b (in pl.) the external conditions that affect or might affect an action. 2 (often foll. by that + clause) an incident, occurrence, or fact, as needing consideration (the circumstance that he left early). 3 (in pl.) one's state of financial or material welfare (in reduced circumstances). 4 ceremony, fuss (pomp and circumstance). 5 full detail in a narrative (told it with much circumstance). in (or under) the (or these) circumstances the state of affairs being what it is. in (or under) no circumstances not at all; never. circumstanced adj.
[ ME f. OF circonstance or L circumstantia (as CIRCUM-, stantia f. sto stand) ]