Circumstance  n. 1 fact, occurrence, or condition, esp. (in pl.) Connected with or influencing an event; (bad) luck (victim of circumstance(s)). 2 (in pl.) One's financial or material condition. 3 ceremony, fuss.  in (or under) the circumstances the state of affairs being what it is. In (or under) no circumstances not at all; never.  circumstanced adj. [latin sto stand]