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circostanza

circumstance

noun cheer-koh-STAHN-tsah Less Common
Grammar & Structure

Origin: from Latin 'circumstantia', standing around

Also means

occasion

Usage Note

Circostanza means a circumstance or a set of conditions, most often used in the plural le circostanze. The phrase di circostanza describes something done merely for form's sake, like un sorriso di circostanza ('a polite, perfunctory smile').

Examples

"Date le circostanze, è meglio aspettare."

Natural Translation

Given the circumstances, it's better to wait.

Literal Translation

Given the circumstances, is better to-wait.

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