An Etymological Dictionary of Astronomy and Astrophysics

A condition or fact attending an event and having some bearing on it.

Etymology (EN): L. circumstantia “surrounding condition,” neut. pl. of circumstans, pr.p. of circumstare “to stand around,” from → circum- + stare “to stand” from PIE *sta- “to stand.”

Etymology (PE): Pirâstâd, from pirâ-,
→ circum-, + âstâd, istâd “standing,” from istâdan “to stand,” Mid.Pers. êstâtan, O.Pers./Av. sta- “to stand, stand still; set,” Av. hištaiti, cf. Skt. sthâ- “to stand,” âsthâ-
“condition, circumstance,” Gk. histemi “put, place, weigh,” stasis “a standing still,” L. stare “to stand.”