noun

case

A particular matter or situation under consideration.

The lawyer reviews the case before meeting her new client.

Etymology

Latin casus could mean a fall or something that happens. The idea of what befalls someone became a circumstance or situation, giving case its use for a matter under consideration.

More examples

  • This is a rare case of complete recovery.
  • She makes a strong case for extending library hours.
  • In that case, we should postpone the trip.

Forms

case · cases

Similar words

instance
A particular occurrence without necessarily a matter for judgment.
argument
Reasons supporting a position rather than the entire situation.