'Circumstance' definitions:

Definition of 'circumstance'

From: WordNet
noun
A condition that accompanies or influences some event or activity
noun
The set of facts or circumstances that surround a situation or event; "the historical context" [syn: context, circumstance, setting]
noun
Information that should be kept in mind when making a decision; "another consideration is the time it would take" [syn: circumstance, condition, consideration]
noun
Formal ceremony about important occasions; "pomp and circumstance"

Definition of 'Circumstance'

From: GCIDE
  • Circumstance \Cir"cum*stance\, v. t. To place in a particular situation; to supply relative incidents. [1913 Webster]
  • The poet took the matters of fact as they came down to him and circumstanced them, after his own manner. --Addison. [1913 Webster]

Definition of 'circumstance'

From: GCIDE
  • circumstance \cir"cum*stance\ (s[~e]r"k[u^]m*st[a^]ns), n. [L. circumstantia, fr. circumstans, -antis, p. pr. of circumstare to stand around; circum + stare to stand. See Stand.]
  • 1. That which attends, or relates to, or in some way affects, a fact or event; an attendant thing or state of things. [1913 Webster]
  • The circumstances are well known in the country where they happened. --W. Irving. [1913 Webster]
  • 2. An event; a fact; a particular incident. [1913 Webster]
  • The sculptor had in his thoughts the conqueror weeping for new worlds, or the like circumstances in history. --Addison. [1913 Webster]
  • 3. Circumlocution; detail. [Obs.] [1913 Webster]
  • So without more circumstance at all I hold it fit that we shake hands and part. --Shak. [1913 Webster]
  • 4. pl. Condition in regard to worldly estate; state of property; situation; surroundings. [1913 Webster]
  • When men are easy in their circumstances, they are naturally enemies to innovations. --Addison. [1913 Webster]
  • Not a circumstance, of no account. [Colloq.]
  • Under the circumstances, taking all things into consideration.
  • Syn: Event; occurrence; incident; situation; condition; position; fact; detail; item. See Event. [1913 Webster]

Synonyms of 'circumstance'

From: Moby Thesaurus