/serr"keuhm stans'/ or, esp. Brit., /-steuhns/ , n. , v. , circumstanced, circumstancing .
n.
1. a condition, detail, part, or attribute, with respect to time, place, manner,agent, etc., that accompanies, determines, or modifies a fact or event; a modifying or influencing factor: Do not judge his behavior without considering every circumstance.
2. Usually, circumstances . the existing conditions or state of affairs surrounding and affecting an agent: Circumstances permitting, we sail on Monday.
3. an unessential or secondary accompaniment of any fact or event; minor detail: The author dwells on circumstances rather than essentials.
4. circumstances , the condition or state of a person with respect to income and material welfare: a family in reduced circumstances.
5. an incident or occurrence: His arrival was a fortunate circumstance.
6. detailed or circuitous narration; specification of particulars: The speaker expatiated with great circumstance upon his theme.
7. Archaic. ceremonious accompaniment or display: pomp and circumstance.
8. under no circumstances , regardless of events or conditions; never: Under no circumstances should you see them again.
9. under the circumstances , because of the conditions; as the case stands: Under the circumstances, there is little hope for an early settlement. Also, in the circumstances .
v.t.
10. to place in particular circumstances or relations: The company was favorably circumstanced by the rise in tariffs.
11. Obs.
a. to furnish with details.
b. to control or guide by circumstances.
[ 1175-1225; ME circumstantia ( circumstant-, s. of circumstans, prp. of circumstare to stand round), equiv. to circum- CIRCUM- + sta- STAND + -nt prp. suffix + -ia n. suffix; see -ANCE ]
Syn. 7. ritual, formality, splendor.