cir·cum·stance n.
1. That which attends, or relates to, or in some way affects, a fact or event; an attendant thing or state of things.
The circumstances are well known in the country where they happened. --W. Irving.
2. An event; a fact; a particular incident.
The sculptor had in his thoughts the conqueror weeping for new worlds, or the like circumstances in history. --Addison.
3. Circumlocution; detail. [Obs.]
So without more circumstance at all
I hold it fit that we shake hands and part. --Shak.
4. pl. Condition in regard to worldly estate; state of property; situation; surroundings.
When men are easy in their circumstances, they are naturally enemies to innovations. --Addison.
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.
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under the circumstances
adv : because of prevailing conditions; "under the circumstances I
cannot buy the house"