contingent
Meaning: Dependent on certain conditions or circumstances; not certain to happen. As a noun, a group of people sharing a common feature, typically forming part of a larger group.
As an adjective, 'contingent' means conditional — 'the deal is contingent on regulatory approval.' This usage is very common in business, law, and academic writing. As a noun, it refers to a representative group: 'a contingent of British troops,' 'the university contingent at the march.' In philosophy, a 'contingent truth' is something that is true but could have been otherwise, as opposed to a 'necessary truth.' A 'contingency plan' is a backup plan for unforeseen events.
Examples
- The company's expansion plans are contingent on securing planning permission from the local authority. 公司的扩张计划取决于能否获得当地政府的规划许可。Los planes de expansión de la empresa dependen de la obtención del permiso urbanístico del ayuntamiento.会社の拡張計画は、地方自治体から都市計画許可を得られるかどうかにかかっています。회사의 확장 계획은 지방 당국의 건축 허가를 받는 것에 달려 있다.
- A large contingent of supporters travelled from Liverpool to cheer the team in the cup final. 一大批支持者从利物浦远道而来,在杯赛决赛中为球队加油。Un numeroso contingente de seguidores viajó desde Liverpool para animar al equipo en la final de copa.リバプールから大勢のサポーターの一団がカップ決勝でチームを応援するために駆けつけました。리버풀에서 온 대규모 서포터 일행이 컵 결승전에서 팀을 응원하기 위해 원정을 왔다.
- The board approved a contingency fund of two million pounds to cover any unexpected costs during the project. 董事会批准了一笔二百万英镑的应急基金,以应对项目期间可能出现的任何意外费用。El consejo aprobó un fondo de contingencia de dos millones de libras para cubrir cualquier gasto imprevisto durante el proyecto.取締役会はプロジェクト中の予期せぬ費用に備えて、200万ポンドの緊急準備基金を承認しました。이사회는 프로젝트 중 예기치 못한 비용에 대비해 200만 파운드의 비상 기금을 승인했다.
Pronunciation
Usage Guide
Context: academic, professional, media
Tone: neutral
Origin & History
From Latin contingentem (touching, happening), present participle of contingere (to touch, happen to), from con- (together) and tangere (to touch). Entered English in the 14th century.
Cultural Context
Era: Modern
Generation: All ages
Social background: Universal
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