circumstance

Universal Words noun 1 [C,usually pl.] the conditions and facts that are connected with and affect a situation, an event or an action: The company reserves the right to cancel this agreement in certain circumstances. * changing social and political circumstances * I know I can trust her in any circumstance. * Police said there were no suspicious circumstances surrounding the boy's death. * The ship sank in mysterious circumstances. * She never discovered the true circumstances of her birth. 2 (circumstances) [pl.] the conditions of a person's life, especially the money they have: Grants are awarded according to your financial circumstances. * family / domestic / personal circumstances 3 [U] (formal) situations and events that affect and influence your life and that are not in your control: a victim of circumstance (= a person who has suffered because of a situation that they cannot control) * He had to leave the country through force of circumstance (= events or the situation made it necessary). * We were simply thrown together by circumstance on the long journey. IDIOMS in / under the circumstances used before or after a statement to show that you have thought about the conditions that affect a situation before making a decision or a statement: Under the circumstances, it seemed better not to tell him about the accident. * She did the job very well in the circumstances. in / under no circumstances used to emphasize that sth should never happen or be allowed: Under no circumstances should you lend Paul any money. * Don't open the door, in any circumstances. moreatPOMP, REDUCE