- Under the circumstances
- 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]
The Collaborative International Dictionary of English. 2000.