WordGarden.iocontingently
C1Pronunciation
UK
- /kəntˈɪndʒəntlɪ/
US
- /kəntˈɪndʒəntli/
Meanings
Adverb
depending on conditions or circumstances
not necessarily; in a way that could have been otherwise
Beyond the definition
If something happens contingently, it means it depends on whether certain conditions are met. Think of a backup plan—you use it contingently, meaning only if the original plan falls through. A contract might offer a bonus paid contingently on achieving specific sales targets. It's about "what if" situations: things happen only when other events line up.
The word hints at "contingency," which is a possible future event or circumstance. So, something that happens contingently isn't guaranteed; it waits on what happens next. Imagine a hiker packing extra supplies contingently, just in case the weather turns bad. They aren't expecting rain, but they're ready for it if it happens.
The word "contingently" describes something that occurs only under specific conditions or circumstances—it's dependent on a particular event happening first. It implies uncertainty: the action isn't automatic or guaranteed, but instead follows an "if-then" rule. For example: "The meeting was planned contingently: it would take place only if the CEO returned from vacation."
You might encounter "contingently" in legal or business contexts, where agreements often include clauses that trigger actions based on outcomes. A job offer could be made contingently on passing a background check, or a loan might be approved contingently on a satisfactory appraisal of the property.
However, it's not limited to formal settings. You can use "contingently" in everyday language to describe actions that are planned as backups or alternatives. "We decided to pack rain gear contingently, just in case the forecast was wrong." This highlights the proactive nature of preparing for potential outcomes.
The root of "contingently" lies in the word "contingency," meaning a possible future event or circumstance. Therefore, when something happens contingently, it's not a certainty—it's tied to the flow of events and dependent on external factors. It suggests a flexible approach, where plans are adjusted based on what unfolds.
In philosophy and logic, you may also see it in phrases like "contingently true," meaning true in this situation but not true in all possible situations (not necessary).
Examples
- 1
Conditional payment
The second payment will be made contingently on the work being finished by June.
- Patterncontingently on + condition
only if that condition is met
- 2
Legal liability
Under the contract, the parent company is contingently liable for costs the smaller firm cannot cover.
- Domaincontingently liable
legally responsible only if a certain situation happens
- 3
Academic writing
In the essay, identity is treated contingently, as something shaped by history and circumstance rather than something fixed.
See also
Similar
- conditionally
- subject to conditions
Shades of meaning
- provisionally
- tentatively
- case by case
Contrast
Used with (collocations)
- contingently true
- contingently valid
Word family
Explore
Forms and spellings
1 form open this card.
Main spelling
- contingently