in the circumstances Definition

circumstance
noun

1. A fact, occurrence or condition, especially when relating to an act or event.

Example: died in mysterious circumstances
Thesaurus: condition, occurrence, event, situation, incident, particular, detail, factor, contingency, element, fact.
Form: circumstances (usually)
2. One's financial situation.

Thesaurus: status, standing, position, class, condition, prospects, outlook; resources, means, capital, income.
Form: circumstances
3. Events that one cannot control; fate.

Example: a victim of circumstance
4. Ceremony.

Example: pomp and circumstance

Idiom: in no circumstances (under no circumstances)

Never, not for any reason at all.
Thesaurus: never, absolutely not, under no conditions, by no means, no way (slang).

Idiom: in the circumstances (under the circumstances)

The situation being what it is or was.
Thesaurus: for this reason, conditions being what they are, all things considered, as matters stand.

Idiom: reduced circumstances

Poverty.

Etymology: 13c: from Latin circumstantia.