circumstance
UK: /ˈsɜːkəmstəns/ | US: /ˈsɜːrkəmstæns/
n. a fact or condition connected with an event or action
n. the conditions affecting a situation or decision
n. (archaic) ceremony or public display
Derived from Latin circumstantia ("surrounding condition"), the word originally described factors "standing around" an event, influencing it. Over time, it narrowed to denote specific conditions or facts relevant to a situation. The archaic sense of "ceremony" reflects the idea of formalities "surrounding" an important occasion.
Financial circumstances forced her to delay her studies.
The jury considered all circumstances before reaching a verdict.
Under no circumstances should you open this door.
He described the circumstances leading to the accident.
(Archaic) The king’s coronation was conducted with great circumstance.