Words / B2

SURK-uh-mst-uh-ns/ˈsɜːkəmstəns/

A circumstance is a fact or condition that surrounds a situation, and it is very often plural: under / in the circumstances, or due to circumstances beyond our control. Situation is more everyday; circumstances sounds formal or legal. In the circumstances they did well means “given what they faced.”

Meaning

A fact or condition that affects a situation.

Examples

• “In the circumstances, they did well.”
• “Under the circumstances, a delay was understandable.”
• “Family circumstances made full-time study difficult.”

Good to know

Usually plural: in / under the circumstances. Formal for situation.

Near in meaning

situation

New