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).
Phrases and idioms:
in (or under) the (or these) circumstances the state of affairs being what it is. in (or under) no circumstances not at all; never.
Derivatives:
circumstanced adj.
Etymology: ME f. OF circonstance or L circumstantia (as CIRCUM-, stantia f. sto stand)