contingent

[ kuhn-tin-juhnt ]

adjective

1. dependent for existence, occurrence, character, etc., on something not yet certain; conditional (often followed by on or upon ):

   Our plans are contingent on the weather.

2. liable to happen or not; uncertain; possible:

   They had to plan for contingent expenses.

3. happening by chance or without known cause; fortuitous; accidental:

   contingent occurrences.

4. Logic. (of a proposition) neither logically necessary nor logically impossible, so that its truth or falsity can be established only by sensory observation.

noun

1. a quota of troops furnished.
2. any one of the representative groups composing an assemblage:

   the New York contingent at a national convention.

3. the proportion that falls to one as a share to be contributed or furnished.
4. something contingent; contingency.

contingent

/ kənˈtɪndʒənt /

adjective

1. whenpostpositive, often foll by on or upon dependent on events, conditions, etc, not yet known; conditional
2. logic (of a proposition) true under certain conditions, false under others; not necessary
3. (in systemic grammar) denoting contingency (sense 4)
4. metaphysics (of some being) existing only as a matter of fact; not necessarily existing
5. happening by chance or without known cause; accidental
6. that may or may not happen; uncertain

noun

1. a part of a military force, parade, etc
2. a representative group distinguished by common origin, interests, etc, that is part of a larger group or gathering
3. a possible or chance occurrence

Derived Forms

• conˈtingently, adverb

Other Words From

• con·tingent·ly adverb
• noncon·tingent adjective
• noncon·tingent·ly adverb
• uncon·tingent adjective
• uncon·tingent·ly adverb

Word History and Origins

Origin of contingent¹

First recorded in 1350–1400; late Middle English, from Middle French, from Latin contingent-, stem of contingēns “touching together,” present participle of contingere “to touch together, come into contact with,” equivalent to con- con- + -tingere, variant stem of tangere “to touch”

Word History and Origins

Origin of contingent¹

C14: from Latin contingere to touch, fall to one's lot, befall; see also contact

Example Sentences

In fact, lawmakers passed and the governor signed legislation to do away with the work requirement this year, but it was contingent on voter approval of Proposition 6.

From Los Angeles Times

The newspaper added: “A growing contingent of right-wing tech figures argue that Trump can usher in a new era of American dominance by removing red tape.”

From Salon

A contingent of firefighters escorted him to the airport.

From Los Angeles Times

Black Americans, as a people, deeply understand and carry this history and lived experience and the knowledge and burden of democracy as contingent and imperiled in our collective bodies, psyches, and memories.

From Salon

The youngest contingent was also an emotional moment, in a different way from the ranks of grey-haired ex-military marchers.

From BBC

Related Words

• batch
• detachment