cir·cum·stance 
/ˈsɚkəmˌstæns/ noun
plural cir·cum·stanc·es /ˈsɚkəmˌstæns/ noun 1 [count] : a condition or fact that affects a situation
▪ I can't imagine a circumstance in/under which I would do that. — usually plural ▪ If our business is to survive, we must be able to adapt to changing circumstances. ▪ It is impossible under these circumstances to meet our deadline. ▪ Do not, under any circumstances, open that door. = Under no circumstances are you to open that door. [=no matter what happens, do not open that door] ▪ Due to circumstances beyond our control [=things that have happened that we cannot change or influence], the flight is canceled. ▪ There is nothing we can do under the circumstances. [=in this specific situation] ▪ Given the circumstances, I think we did well. [=when you consider how everything went, I think we did well] 2 circumstances [plural] : the way something happens : the specific details of an event
▪ The circumstances of his death are suspicious. 3 : an event or situation that you cannot control [noncount] ▪ She says that her client is a victim of circumstance and should not be blamed for the accident. [plural] ▪ He was a victim of circumstances. 4 circumstances [plural] : the conditions in which someone lives
▪ Their circumstances changed dramatically after she lost her job. ▪ I don't know anything about his financial circumstances. [=about how much money he has] ▪ They have been forced to live in reduced circumstances. [=to live with less money]
▪ I can't imagine a circumstance in/under which I would do that. — usually plural ▪ If our business is to survive, we must be able to adapt to changing circumstances. ▪ It is impossible under these circumstances to meet our deadline. ▪ Do not, under any circumstances, open that door. = Under no circumstances are you to open that door. [=no matter what happens, do not open that door] ▪ Due to circumstances beyond our control [=things that have happened that we cannot change or influence], the flight is canceled. ▪ There is nothing we can do under the circumstances. [=in this specific situation] ▪ Given the circumstances, I think we did well. [=when you consider how everything went, I think we did well]
▪ The circumstances of his death are suspicious.
▪ Their circumstances changed dramatically after she lost her job. ▪ I don't know anything about his financial circumstances. [=about how much money he has] ▪ They have been forced to live in reduced circumstances. [=to live with less money]
pomp and circumstance — see pomp
