circumstance
noun
cir·cum·stance
ˈsər-kəm-ˌstan(t)s
-stən(t)s
1
a
: a condition, fact, or event accompanying, conditioning, or determining another : an essential or inevitable concomitant
the weather is a circumstance to be taken into consideration
b
: a subordinate or accessory (see accessory entry 2 sense 2) fact or detail
cost is a minor circumstance in this case
c
: a piece of evidence that indicates the probability or improbability of an event (such as a crime)
the circumstance of the missing weapon told against him
the circumstances suggest murder
2
a
: the sum of essential and environmental factors (as of an event or situation)
constant and rapid change in economic circumstance—G. M. Trevelyan
b
: state of affairs : eventuality
open rebellion was a rare circumstance
—often used in plurala victim of circumstances
c
circumstances plural
: situation with regard to wealth
he was in easy circumstances
rose from difficult circumstances
3
: attendant formalities and ritualistic display especially as contrasted with essential procedure
pride, pomp, and circumstance of glorious war—William Shakespeare
4
: an event that constitutes a detail (as of a narrative or course of events)
considering each circumstance in turn
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Merriam-Webster unabridged
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