kənˈtinjənsē, -si noun
( -es )
Etymology: Middle French or Medieval Latin; Middle French contingence, from Medieval Latin contingentia, from Late Latin, possibility, from Latin contingent-, contingens (present participle of contingere to touch on all sides, to happen) + -ia
1. : the quality or state of being contingent: as
a.
(1) : the condition that something may or may not occur : the condition of being subject to chance
(2) : the happening of anything by chance : fortuitousness
b.
(1) : close connection or relationship especially of a causal nature
(2) obsolete : contact , contingence
2.
[ contingence + -y ]
a. : something that is contingent : an event or condition occurring by chance and without intent, viewed as possible or eventually probable, or depending on uncertain occurrences or coincidences
the remarkable position of the queen rendering her death a most important contingency — Henry Hallam
b. : a possible future event or condition or an unforeseen occurrence that may necessitate special measures
a reserve fund for contingencies
c. : something liable to happen as a chance feature or accompaniment of something else
contingencies of marriage
Synonyms: see juncture