French word

situation

Pronunciation

IPA/sitɥasjɔ̃/

Meaning

  • feminine nounstate of affairs

Example

La situation est compliquée en ce moment.

The current state of affairs is complicated.

Illustration for situation (state of affairs)

More examples

Il a dû changer de situation pour trouver un meilleur emploi.

He had to change his situation to find a better job.

Core concept

A set of surrounding factors viewed together to show the present position of a person, event, or matter.

Common phrases

  • avoir une situation stable

    have a stable situation

  • changer de situation

    change one's situation

  • situation familiale

    family situation

Similar words

contexte: The background and surrounding circumstances of an event or conversation.
état: The current condition or state of a person or thing.
circonstance: A particular circumstance or condition affecting an event.
condition: An environmental factor or requirement affecting an outcome.

Definition in French

État ou ensemble de circonstances qui entourent une personne, une chose ou un événement à un moment donné.

Word origin

French situation developed from Latin situatio, a noun related to situs, meaning position or state, and it acquired broader circumstantial senses.

Usage tips

  • In avoir une situation, situation can mean an established job or social position rather than a temporary set of circumstances.

Other meanings

  • circumstancesnoun
  • conditionsnoun

Related words

  • situersituateverb
  • situésituatedadjective

Word lists with this word