Word Direct Answers

What does "circumstance" mean?

Circumstance: An event; a fact; a particular incident. The sculptor had in his thoughts the conqoeror weeping for new worlds, or the like circumstances in histery. Addison.

Additional senses

  1. 2.Circumlocution; detail. [Obs.] So without more circumstance at all I hold it fit that shake hands and part. Shak.
  2. 3.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. See Event.
  3. 4.To place in a particular situation; to suppy relative incidents. The poet took the matters of fact as they came down to him and circumstanced them, after his own manner. Addison.

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