circumstance

circumstance — noun

1. the facts, conditions, or events that are present around a particular situation

1.名詞B2
釋義

the facts, conditions, or events that are present around a particular situation and influence how it develops or what happens

例句

Aiko's flight was delayed, but given the circumstances, she stayed calm.

collocation: given the circumstances

The fire chief studied the circumstances that caused the old warehouse to burn.

pattern: circumstances that + verb

同義詞
  • condition

    emphasizes a necessary state or requirement rather than the full set of surrounding events

  • situation

    focuses on the specific combination of circumstances at a given time, often implying something urgent

  • context

    refers to the larger background that gives meaning to an event, rather than the immediate facts

  • factor

    points to one single element among many, not the whole configuration

文法句型

the circumstances surrounding/of something

in/under the circumstances

用法筆記

Almost always used in the plural form (circumstances). Common in fixed expressions such as 'in/under the circumstances' and 'due to circumstances beyond someone's control'. Subject of verbs like change, arise, lead to.

常見錯誤

❌Please explain the circumstance of the accident.
✅Please explain the circumstances of the accident.
💡when referring to the conditions around an event, circumstance is nearly always plural.
❌Due to the circumstance, we cancelled the trip.
✅Due to the circumstances, we cancelled the trip.
💡use the plural form even when referring to a single set of conditions.

2. the power of events that are beyond your control and that shape your life in imp

2.名詞
釋義

the power of events that are beyond your control and that shape your life in important ways — for example, losing a job through no fault of your own, or meeting a life partner by chance

例句

Leila was a victim of circumstance when the company closed without warning.

common phrase: victim of circumstance

A twist of circumstance brought Yusuf and his neighbour together as business partners.

collocation: twist of circumstance

同義詞
  • fate

    more personal and destiny-driven; suggests a predetermined outcome rather than random events

  • destiny

    implies a sense of purpose or ultimate outcome, stronger than circumstance

  • fortune

    can be good or bad luck; less neutral than circumstance

  • lot

    formal or literary; describes one's position in life as assigned by fate

反義詞
  • free will

    the ability to choose, as opposed to being controlled by outside events

  • choice

    a deliberate decision, the opposite of something imposed by chance

文法句型

victim of circumstance

twist of circumstance

by force of circumstance

用法筆記

Uncountable — do not add plural -s. Distinguished from sense 1 (SURROUNDING CONDITIONS) by its focus on life-changing events that happen by chance or fate rather than the factual conditions around a situation. Often appears in fixed phrases: 'victim of circumstance', 'twist of circumstance', 'by force of circumstance'.

常見錯誤

❌He was a victim of circumstances beyond his control.' (using plural for the fate sense)
✅He was a victim of circumstance.
💡when referring to fate or destiny, this sense is uncountable and does not take -s.

3. the level of wealth or income that a person or family has, especially in relatio

3.名詞
釋義

the level of wealth or income that a person or family has, especially in relation to what they can afford or how they live

例句

The bank asked about Hana's financial circumstances before approving the loan.

collocation: financial circumstances

Priya's changed circumstances meant she could no longer afford private school.

pattern: changed circumstances + financial impact

同義詞
  • means

    more formal; often used in legal or official contexts (a person of means)

  • finances

    more specific to money management and budget rather than overall living conditions

  • income

    narrower, referring only to earnings rather than overall financial picture

  • economic situation

    broader, can refer to a country or region, not just an individual

文法句型

someone's circumstances

financial/economic circumstances

in comfortable/reduced circumstances

用法筆記

Always plural in form, but can refer to one person's financial condition. Frequently modified by adjectives: financial, economic, comfortable, reduced, straitened, difficult. Distinguished from sense 1 by its exclusive focus on money and wealth rather than general conditions.

常見錯誤

❌She lives in a good circumstance now.
✅She lives in good circumstances now.
💡when referring to financial situation, always use the plural form.