circumstance
gb/sˈɚkəmstˌæns/ us/sˈɚkəmstˌæns/
B1
English
~ 1000
körülmény, részlet, anyagi helyzet, életkörülmény
NOUN
B1
1
körülmény
B1
Usage pattern:
[something] is due to/depends on [circumstance]
Due to unforeseen circumstances, the meeting was postponed.
Előre nem látható körülmények miatt elhalasztották az értekezletet.
Her success was partly the result of favorable circumstances.
Sikere részben a kedvező körülményeknek volt köszönhető.
In these circumstances, it would be wise to wait.
Learner examples
The game was canceled because of bad circumstances.
A mérkőzést a kedvezőtlen körülmények miatt lefújták.
We could not go because of the circumstances.
A körülmények miatt nem tudtunk elmenni.
He lost his job due to new circumstances.
Common mistake:
Learners sometimes confuse 'circumstance' with 'environment'. 'Circumstance' focuses on specific conditions or facts influencing an event, not the general surroundings.
Meaning
A fact or condition influencing something
Collocations
under the circumstances
|due to circumstances
|change of circumstances
|in certain circumstances
Synonyms
situation (More general; refers to the overall set of conditions without emphasizing individual factors.)
|
condition (Often interchangeable, but can also refer to a physical or legal state.)
Antonyms
irrelevance (Indicates something having no effect or connection to the matter at hand.)
Themes
daily life
|society
|decision-making
|core_vocabulary
Definition
Something that affects what happens in a situation.
A fact, event, or condition connected with or influencing a situation or action.
NOUN
B1
2
Usage pattern:
[circumstance] of [event]
The police are investigating the circumstances of his disappearance.
A rendőrség a férfi eltűnésének körülményeit vizsgálja.
She described the circumstances in which they first met.
Elmesélte, milyen körülmények között találkoztak először.
The exact circumstances remain unclear.
Learner examples
Tell me the circumstances of the accident.
Mondd el, milyen körülmények között történt a baleset.
I don't know the circumstances of his trip.
Nem ismerem az utazása körülményeit.
The police asked about the circumstances of the crime.
Common mistake:
Learners may confuse this meaning with 'reasons'. 'Circumstances' are descriptive facts, not justifications.
Meaning
A specific event detail
Collocations
strange circumstances
|mysterious circumstances
|tragic circumstances
Synonyms
detail (Focuses more on small pieces of information rather than the broader context.)
Themes
daily life
|storytelling
|core_vocabulary
Definition
A small fact or event that is part of a bigger situation.
A particular incident, detail, or occurrence connected to an event or action.
NOUN
B2
FORMAL
3
He grew up in modest circumstances but worked hard to succeed.
Szerény körülmények között nőtt fel, de keményen dolgozott, hogy sikeres legyen.
Her financial circumstances changed after she lost her job.
Miután elvesztette az állását, megváltozott az anyagi helyzete.
They found themselves in reduced circumstances after the war.
Learner examples
She lives in good circumstances now.
Most jó körülmények között él.
He grew up in poor circumstances.
Szegényes körülmények között nőtt fel.
Their circumstances got better last year.
Common mistake:
Learners sometimes confuse 'circumstances' (life conditions) with 'environment' (surroundings). The former is more about economic and social state.
Meaning
A person's life situation
Collocations
modest circumstances
|improved circumstances
|reduced circumstances
Synonyms
status (Refers more broadly to social position, not just material conditions.)
|
position (General term for someone's current situation in life.)
Antonyms
prosperity (Indicates wealth and good conditions, opposite to poor or modest circumstances.)
Themes
society
|economics
|daily_life
|finance
|core_vocabulary
Definition
The way someone lives, especially how much money they have.
The conditions of a person's life, especially regarding money, social status, or personal situation.
Grammar
Dictionary form
circumstance
IPA
GB/sˈɚkəmstˌæns/
US/sˈɚkəmstˌæns/
Syllables & stress
cir - cum - stance (3 syllables)
Stress on 1st syllable (cir)
Word forms
Noun
- Base: circumstance
- Plural: circumstance, circumstances
Word family
Forms
circumstances
noun
Related words
circumstantial
adjective
Advanced or less common
circumstantially
adverb
Expressions
change of circumstances
1/t͡ʃˈeɪnd͡ʒ əv sˈɚkəmstˌænsɪz/
fixed phrase
An alteration in conditions affecting something or someone’s life
When something important changes in a situation or in someone’s life.
Examples
- A change of circumstances forced them to move.
- She asked for help after a sudden change of circumstances.
due to unforeseen circumstances
1/dˈu tə ˌʌnfɔɹsˈin sˈɚkəmstˌænsɪz/
fixed phrase
formal
Because of unexpected events or conditions
Because something happened that was not planned or expected.
Examples
- The flight was canceled due to unforeseen circumstances.
- Due to unforeseen circumstances, the concert will be rescheduled.
in any circumstances
1/ˈɪn ˈɛni sˈɚkəmstˌænsɪz/
fixed phrase
In every possible situation
In all situations, no matter what happens.
Examples
- You should not open this door in any circumstances.
- He refuses to lie in any circumstances.
in/under no circumstances
1/ɪŋˈʌndɚ nˈoʊ sˈɚkəmstˌænsɪz/
fixed phrase
Never allowed in any situation
Used to say something must never happen or be done.
Examples
- Under no circumstances should you touch that switch.
- In no circumstances will we accept violence.
under the circumstances
1/ˈʌndɚ ðə sˈɚkəmstˌænsɪz/
fixed phrase
Given the situation that exists
Considering what has happened or is happening.
Examples
- Under the circumstances, I think we did well.
- It was the best decision we could make under the circumstances.