circumstances

circumstances — noun

1. the general conditions, facts, and events that exist in a particular situation a

1.名詞B1
釋義

the general conditions, facts, and events that exist in a particular situation and influence what happens or how people feel and act.

例句

Ravindra's decision to move to Kaohsiung was based on his family circumstances at the time.

circumstances + possessive determiner (his family circumstances)

Given the difficult circumstances, the teacher allowed the students extra time.

given + circumstances (acknowledging situation)

同義詞
  • conditions

    more neutral focus on external factors rather than the full situation

  • situation

    broader term; less emphasis on the factors shaping events

  • factors

    focuses on the individual elements rather than the overall picture

文法句型

circumstances + of + noun phrase

under/in + circumstances

circumstances surrounding + noun phrase

用法筆記

Frequently used with prepositions like 'under', 'in', or 'given' to describe the conditions of a situation. 'Under no circumstances' is a fixed emphatic expression meaning 'never'.

常見錯誤

❌Under this circumstance, we should stay.
✅Under these circumstances, we should stay.
💡'circumstances' is almost always plural in standard English; the singular 'circumstance' is very rare.
❌The circumstance of his death was suspicious.
✅The circumstances of his death were suspicious.
💡Use the plural form even when referring to one situation.

2. the amount of money available to a person and the way their income and living co

2.名詞B2
釋義

the amount of money available to a person and the way their income and living costs affect their quality of life.

例句

Aoi's family found themselves in difficult financial circumstances after her father lost his job.

in + [adjective] + financial circumstances

The scholarship is awarded to students whose circumstances prevent them from paying tuition.

同義詞
  • means

    more formal; often in fixed phrases like 'a person of means'

  • finances

    slightly narrower; focuses on money rather than overall living standard

  • economic situation

    more explicit and formal; common in business contexts

文法句型

[possessive] + circumstances

in + [adjective] + circumstances

用法筆記

The phrase 'in reduced circumstances' is a fixed expression referring to having less money than before. 'Straitened circumstances' is a more formal variation with the same meaning.

常見錯誤

❌His circumstance improved after he got a promotion.
✅His circumstances improved after he got a promotion.
💡Always use the plural form when referring to financial situation.
❌She lives in a comfortable circumstance.
✅She lives in comfortable circumstances.
💡Use plural with the financial meaning as well.

3. specific facts connected to a possible event, especially an unlawful one, used t

3.名詞C1
釋義

specific facts connected to a possible event, especially an unlawful one, used to judge how likely it is that the event actually occurred.

例句

The detective studied the circumstances of the burglary before naming any suspects.

the circumstances of + crime noun

The circumstances at the scene suggested the fire had been started on purpose.

circumstances + suggest (indicating evidence)

同義詞
  • evidence

    broader term; includes physical items and testimonies, not just situational facts

  • facts

    less specific; any facts, not necessarily those with evidential weight

  • details

    more neutral; lacks the investigative/legal connotation

文法句型

the circumstances of + noun phrase

circumstances + suggest/indicate/point to

用法筆記

Distinguish from sense 1 (AFFECTING FACTORS) — this sense is specifically about facts used as evidence to support or weaken a conclusion. Common in legal writing, police reports, and formal investigations. Often appears in the phrase 'the circumstances of the case'.