B2noun 2K

Circumstance

🇬🇧 UK /["/ˈsɜːkəmstəns//ˈsɜːkəmstɑːns//ˈsɜːkəmstæns/"]/ 🇺🇸 US /["/ˈsɜːrkəmstæns/"]/

Meaning of Circumstance

the conditions and facts that are connected with and affect a situation, an event or an action

In simple words: A situation or condition.

Circumstance in a sentence

• Under normal circumstances, we would proceed with the project as planned.
• The circumstances surrounding her decision were quite complex.
• In certain circumstances, exceptions can be made to the rules.
• They adapted their strategy to fit the new circumstances of the market.
• It's important to consider the circumstances before making a judgment.

How to use Circumstance

Use 'circumstance' to refer to the specific conditions surrounding an event. It is suitable in both formal and informal contexts but avoid using in very casual conversations.

Grammar pattern

standalone noun

Memory hint

Think 'circle' around a 'stance' – imagine standing in a circle of situations.

Related words

Collocations with Circumstance

• favourable/​favorable
• adverse
• difficult
• set
• change
• conspire
• force
• according to circumstance
• due to… circumstances
• in… circumstances
• by force of circumstance
• circumstances beyond our control
• the circumstances of somebody’s life
• desperate
• modest
• reduced
• improve
• worsen
• in … circumstance
• favourable/​favorable
• adverse
• difficult
• set
• change
• conspire
• force
• according to circumstance
• due to… circumstances
• in… circumstances
• by force of circumstance
• circumstances beyond our control
• the circumstances of somebody’s life

Synonyms for Circumstance

• situation
• condition
• event
• factor
• occurrence

Opposites of Circumstance

• condition
• influence

Common mistakes with Circumstance

• Confusing 'circumstance' with 'situation' when they don't have the same nuance.
• Using 'circumstance' in the plural when it is often used in the singular.
• Mispronouncing it as 'circumstans' instead of 'circumstance'.

Frequently asked questions about Circumstance

What does Circumstance mean?

A situation or condition.

What is the definition of Circumstance?

the conditions and facts that are connected with and affect a situation, an event or an action

How do you use Circumstance in a sentence?

Under normal circumstances, we would proceed with the project as planned.

Can you give another example of Circumstance?

The circumstances surrounding her decision were quite complex.

What are synonyms for Circumstance?

Common alternatives include situation, condition, event, factor, occurrence.

What is the opposite of Circumstance?

Opposite meanings include condition, influence.

What words go with Circumstance?

It commonly pairs with favourable/​favorable, adverse, difficult, set, change, conspire, force, according to circumstance, due to… circumstances, in… circumstances, by force of circumstance, circumstances beyond our control, the circumstances of somebody’s life, desperate, modest, reduced, improve, worsen, in … circumstance, favourable/​favorable, adverse, difficult, set, change, conspire, force, according to circumstance, due to… circumstances, in… circumstances, by force of circumstance, circumstances beyond our control, the circumstances of somebody’s life.

What are common mistakes when using Circumstance?

Confusing 'circumstance' with 'situation' when they don't have the same nuance. Using 'circumstance' in the plural when it is often used in the singular. Mispronouncing it as 'circumstans' instead of 'circumstance'.

How do you pronounce Circumstance?

US: /["/ˈsɜːrkəmstæns/"]/, UK: /["/ˈsɜːkəmstəns//ˈsɜːkəmstɑːns//ˈsɜːkəmstæns/"]/. Listen to the audio above to hear native pronunciation.

When should I use Circumstance?

Use 'circumstance' to refer to the specific conditions surrounding an event. It is suitable in both formal and informal contexts but avoid using in very casual conversations.

What CEFR level is Circumstance?

"Circumstance" is at B2 level on the CEFR scale.