обстоятельство — meaning in English: circumstance

obstoyatel'stvo · Learn this word with quizzes, examples and more on Maspeak.

Guess the translation for circumstance

игра

igra

веревка

verevka

Лицензия

Litsenziya

народ

narod

обстоятельство

obstoyatel'stvo

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neutral common

Usage

Native speakers commonly use 'обстоятельство' in both formal and informal settings. It often arises in discussions about personal situations, legal contexts, or when analyzing factors that impact decisions, such as during a negotiation or while explaining a complex situation to a friend.

Synonyms & nuances

A close synonym is 'фактор' (factor), but 'обстоятельство' emphasizes the surrounding conditions or situations rather than just the contributing elements. You would choose 'обстоятельство' when discussing the broader context of events or decisions, rather than the specific causes.

Culture

'обстоятельство' comes from the verb 'обстоятель' which means 'to surround' or 'to encircle', reflecting the various factors that can influence a situation. In Russian literature, the term can signify the intricate details of a character's life circumstances, revealing deeper social and psychological themes that are pivotal to the narrative.

FAQ

Q.What does the word обстоятельство mean in English?

'обстоятельство' translates to 'circumstance' in English, referring to the conditions or factors surrounding an event or situation.

Q.How can I use обстоятельство in a sentence?

You can use 'обстоятельство' in sentences like: 'В данном обстоятельстве, мы должны принять решение.' which means 'In this circumstance, we must make a decision.'

Q.Are there common mistakes when using обстоятельство?

A common mistake is using 'обстоятельство' too broadly. Ensure you're referring specifically to the surrounding conditions rather than just any situation, to maintain clarity.

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