How to pronounce circumstance
Say it like SUR-kum-stans. Circumstance has three syllables, and the main stress falls on the first one (SUR).
Click the play button next to American or British to hear how to pronounce circumstance. Choose Slow to hear each sound clearly.
- SUR
- kum
- stans
- Main stress
- Lighter stress
- Unstressed
Circumstance pronunciation, sound by sound
Read the parts left to right, then blend them together without pausing.
- SURSay this part loudest and longest. The vowel is the "ur" in nurse.
- kumKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the relaxed "uh" in about.
- stansGive this part a little weight. The vowel is the "a" in cat.
American vs British pronunciation of circumstance
- Americans pronounce the r after a vowel; most British speakers leave it silent and lengthen the vowel instead.
- British speakers use the long "ah" vowel of father where Americans use the "a" of cat.
British respelling: SUR-kum-stahns.
What does circumstance mean?
- a condition that accompanies or influences some event or activity
- the set of facts or circumstances that surround a situation or event“the historical context”
- information that should be kept in mind when making a decision“another consideration is the time it would take”
Where does circumstance come from?
From Middle English circumstaunce, from Old French circonstance, from Latin circumstantia.
Questions about saying circumstance
How do you pronounce circumstance?
Say SUR-kum-stans. The American pronunciation is /ˈsɝkəmˌstæns/. In British English it is /ˈsɜːkəmˌstɑːns/. Press play above to hear it at normal speed or slowly.
How many syllables are in circumstance?
Circumstance has three syllables, and the main stress falls on the first one (SUR). Broken into parts: SUR · kum · stans.
Is circumstance pronounced differently in British English?
Yes. Americans pronounce the r after a vowel; most British speakers leave it silent and lengthen the vowel instead. The British form is /ˈsɜːkəmˌstɑːns/ (SUR-kum-stahns).