What is "under the circumstances"

circumstance \cir"cum*stance\ (s[~e]r"k[u^]m*st[a^]ns), n. [L. circumstantia, fr. circumstans, -antis, p. pr. of circumstare to stand around; circum + stare to stand. See Stand.]

1. That which attends, or relates to, or in some way affects, a fact or event; an attendant thing or state of things.

   The circumstances are well known in the country where they happened.
   --W. Irving.

2. An event; a fact; a particular incident.

   The sculptor had in his thoughts the conqueror weeping for new worlds, or the like circumstances in history.
   --Addison.

3. Circumlocution; detail. [Obs.]

   So without more circumstance at all I hold it fit that we shake hands and part.
   --Shak.

4. pl. Condition in regard to worldly estate; state of property; situation; surroundings.

   When men are easy in their circumstances, they are naturally enemies to innovations.
   --Addison.

   Not a circumstance, of no account. [Colloq.]

   Under the circumstances, taking all things into consideration.

   Syn: Event; occurrence; incident; situation; condition; position; fact; detail; item. See Event.

adv. because of prevailing conditions; "under the circumstances I cannot buy the house"