contingent

American  

[kuhn-tin-juhnt] / kənˈtɪn dʒənt /

adjective

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

   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.

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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 British  

/ kənˈtɪndʒənt /

adjective

1. 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

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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

Other Word Forms

• contingently adverb
• noncontingent adjective
• noncontingently adverb
• uncontingent adjective
• uncontingently adverb

Etymology

Origin of contingent

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”

Example Sentences

"A large contingent of police, firefighters, and rescue workers immediately went to the scene to assist the numerous victims," it said.

From Barron's

"A large contingent of police, firefighters, and rescue workers immediately went to the scene to assist the numerous victims," it said.

From Barron's

Another pleasing development came after the game, when the media contingent dwarfed the one from three days earlier.

From Los Angeles Times

A mere three weeks after putting it on the market, Realtor.com revealed that he had gone into contract with a buyer; however, the sale was contingent on certain conditions.

From MarketWatch

If, heaven forbid, your daughter predeceases you, without contingent beneficiaries, your accounts could revert to your estate, go through probate and/or be distributed per intestacy law in your state.

From MarketWatch

Related Words

• batch
• detachment