ˈsə:kəmstəns n. 1 a a
fact,
occurrence, or
condition,
esp. (in pl.)
the time,
place,
manner,
cause,
occasion etc., or
surroundings of an
act or
event. b (in pl.) the
external conditions
that affect or might affect an
action. 2 (often foll. by that + clause) an
incident, occurrence, or fact, as needing
consideration (the circumstance that he left early). 3 (in pl.) one's
state of
financial or
material welfare (in reduced circumstances). 4
ceremony,
fuss (pomp
and circumstance). 5 full
detail in a
narrative (told it
with much circumstance). øin (or under) the (or these) circumstances the state of affairs
being what it
is. in (or under) no circumstances
not at
all;
never. øøcircumstanced adj. [ME f. OF circonstance or L circumstantia (as
CIRCUM-, stantia f. sto stand)]