n.
Pronunciation: k ə n- ' tin-j ə nt
Function: adjective
Etymology: Middle English, from Middle French, from Latin contingent-, contingens, present participle of contingere to have contact with, befall, from com- + tangere to touch ― more at TANGENT
Date: 14th century
1 : likely but not certain to happen : POSSIBLE
2 : not logically necessary especially : EMPIRICAL
3 a : happening by chance or unforeseen causes b : subject to chance or unseen effects : UNPREDICTABLE c : intended for use in circumstances not completely foreseen
4 : dependent on or conditioned by something else <payment is contingent on fulfillment of certain conditions>
5 : not necessitated : determined by free choice
synonyms see ACCIDENTAL
– con · tin · gent · ly adverb