B2nounsocietylanguage
US/ˈsɜːr.kəm.stæns/
UK/ˈsɜː.kəm.stɑːns/
a fact or condition that affects a situation (usually plural)
In context
Under the circumstances, I think we made the right decision.
Under no circumstances should you share your password.
Many students work part-time because of their family circumstances.
Words that go with circumstance
noun + preposition
- under the circumstancesUnder the circumstances, the result was quite good.
- under no circumstancesUnder no circumstances can you leave the room.
noun + noun
- family circumstancesShe left school because of family circumstances.
adjective + noun
- difficult circumstancesThey grew up in difficult circumstances.
- special circumstancesLate work is accepted only in special circumstances.
Common mistakes
Incorrect:
In this circumstance, we should wait.Correct: In these circumstances, we should wait.