Contingent Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations
๐ฅ
contingent
[kษnหtษชndสษnt ]
Definitions
in a group
a group of people united by a common feature, forming part of a larger group
Synonyms
delegation, group, team.
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| contingent |
Typically used to describe a group of people representing a larger organization or country, especially in formal or official contexts.
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| group |
A very general term that can be used to describe any collection of individuals, with no specific connotations about the nature of their association.
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| delegation |
Often used to refer to a group of people chosen to represent others, usually in diplomatic, political, or business settings.
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| team |
Specifically refers to a group of people working together towards a common goal, often in work, sports, or project-related contexts.
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Examples of usage
- The American contingent at the conference was the largest.
- She was part of the medical contingent providing aid in the disaster-stricken area.
dependent on something else
subject to change based on certain conditions or circumstances
Synonyms
conditional, dependent, subject to.
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| contingent |
This word is used when something relies on certain conditions or events happening first. It is often used in formal or legal contexts.
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| dependent |
This term is used when something is directly influenced by another factor. It can be used in everyday conversations, academic, and technical discussions.
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| conditional |
Use 'conditional' when you need to state that something will only happen if certain conditions are met. It can be used in both formal and informal contexts, but it's common in technical or contractual language.
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| subject to |
This phrase is used when something is likely to be affected by certain conditions or when it is under the authority or control of something else. It is often used in formal, legal, or business settings.
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Examples of usage
- His promotion was contingent on the successful completion of the project.
- The success of the event was contingent on good weather.
Translations
To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.
Interesting Facts
Philosophy
- Many philosophical discussions around 'contingent' focus on the difference between necessary and contingent truths.
- Contingent truths are propositions or statements that could be otherwise; for instance, 'It is raining today' could be false tomorrow.
- In metaphysics, contingent beings are those that exist but could have not existed given different circumstances.
Science
- In science, many hypotheses are contingent upon certain variables being true or observable.
- Contingent events are critical in statistical analysis, helping to understand probability and risk.
- In ecology, species interactions can be contingent upon environmental factors like climate and habitat.
Pop Culture
- In many movies and books, plot events are contingent on character decisions, reflecting real-life complexities.
- Reality TV often showcases situations where outcomes are contingent on contestants' actions and interactions.
- The term is frequently used in strategy games and negotiations, highlighting the nature of adaptive choices.
Psychology
- Human behavior can be contingent on past experiences, such as learning from previous mistakes.
- Attachment styles in psychology show how relationships can be contingent upon early developmental experiences.
- Contingency management is a behavioral strategy used in therapy to modify behavior based on rewards.
Origin of 'contingent'
Main points about word origin
- The word comes from the Latin 'contingere', meaning โto touch uponโ or โto happenโ.
- It entered the English language in the late 15th century, initially used in a legal or formal context.
- In modern usage, it has evolved to refer broadly to conditions or events that affect outcomes.
The word 'contingent' originated from the Latin word 'contingentem', meaning 'happening by chance'. It was first used in the 14th century to describe something dependent on certain conditions or circumstances. Over time, the word evolved to also refer to a group of people united by a common feature. The concept of contingency has been explored in philosophy, economics, and other disciplines.