circumstance

a condition surrounding an event

Roots

Other words with the sta / stit root

  • constant: unchanging or steady
  • destitute: lacking basic necessities; extremely poor
  • obstacle: something that stands in the way
  • obstinate: stubbornly refusing to change
  • stance: a position or attitude
  • stand: to be upright or stay in place
  • station: a fixed place or position

Circum gives around; sta / stit gives stand. A circumstance is what stands around an event and changes how we understand it.

Under normal circumstances the answer was rude; under pressure it was understandable.

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