Pronunciation: [sˈɜːkəmstˌans] (IPA) 
The word "circumstance" is spelled with two c's and two u's, which can confuse some English learners. The first syllable is pronounced /ˈsɜːkəm/ with the stress on the second syllable. The second syllable has a short "u" sound /ˌstæns/ and the third syllable ends in a silent "e" /-səs/. In IPA phonetic transcription, the word is spelled /ˈsɜːrkəmstəns/. It means a fact or a condition that affects a situation.
Circumstance is a noun that refers to the specific condition or set of conditions that surround an event, situation, or individual. It encompasses the factors or elements that contribute to the overall context or environment in which something occurs. In other words, circumstancedefines the circumstances or conditions that shape and influence an occurrence.
Circumstance can refer to various aspects of life, such as social, economic, environmental or personal factors that impact a situation. It highlights the external forces and variables that exist and affect the outcome or result of an event or decision.
These conditions can be positive or negative, favorable or unfavorable, and they may be dynamic, changing or static. Additionally, the term 'circumstance' connotes the idea that events are not solely determined by an individual's actions, choices, or intentions, but rather the external circumstances they find themselves in.
For instance, in legal contexts, circumstantial evidence is evidence that is not directly observed, but can be inferred from other known facts or circumstances. In everyday language, the term is often used to emphasize that certain actions or decisions were influenced by external or situational factors.
Understanding circumstances plays an essential role in perceiving and analyzing situations, as well as comprehending the motivations and limitations of individuals or groups in various contexts.
• That which affects a fact or case in some way; event; incident.
• Condition or state of affairs; matters attending an action that modify it for better or worse.
• To place in a particular position or condition.
Etymological and pronouncing dictionary of the English language. By Stormonth, James, Phelp, P. H. Published 1874.
* The statistics data for these misspellings percentages are collected from over 15,411,110 spell check sessions on www.spellchecker.net from Jan 2010 - Jun 2012.
The word "circumstance" originated from Latin, derived from the combination of "circum" meaning "around" and "stāre" meaning "to stand". In Latin, the word "circumstantia" referred to the conditions or details surrounding a specific event or situation. This Latin term was later adopted in Middle English, and eventually evolved into the word "circumstance" as we use it today.
