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View synonyms for contingent

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
“Collins English Dictionary — Complete & Unabridged” 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012


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
“Collins English Dictionary — Complete & Unabridged” 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012
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Derived Forms

  • conˈtingently, adverb
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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
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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”
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Word History and Origins

Origin of contingent1

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

The problem is that ethical truths are necessarily true, and you can’t account for necessary truths without in some way going beyond the contingent states of the physical world.

It’s home to many of the most rabid fan bases in the country, an especially vocal contingent of college football tribalism unafraid to announce, with frequency, that the sport means more here.

The largest contingent hailed from the SEC, with 10 of the 14 member schools choosing not to reveal the number of positive results.

This was to some degree contingent upon retailer safety precautions.

The main Crusader contingent, however, was able to take advantage of transport ships that sailed directly from Europe to Palestine.

Former Texas governor Ann Richards was a big fan of the Texas Rangers, a contingent of which was her protective detail.

Counter-protestors marched to confront the pro-police contingent, separated by barricades and uniformed officers.

“The union did not organize any official contingent to participate in the protests,” Kim said.

In 2010 Cuba provided the largest contingent of medical staff during the aftermath of the huge earthquake that shook Haiti.

A notably large Irish contingent took part in the infamous draft riots because they did not want to compete for jobs with blacks.

A small contingent of the members hurried off to applaud the successful comic opera of the hour.

I met him striding toward the building that seemed to be a clearing house for the official contingent.

A claim barred by the statute of limitations is not provable, nor is a contingent liability.

They encountered a score of ruffians who had cut themselves adrift from the Gwalior contingent.

Blazer contingent has moved up closer; they pretend to recognise me as "Cousin Bill."

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Related Words

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contingency taxcontingent beneficiary