Contingent
/kənˈtɪn.dʒənt/noun
Dependent on something else that may or may not happen.
Did you know?The term 'contingent' is deeply rooted in medieval philosophy, where it described things that exist only because of other factors, echoing the uncertainty of existence itself.
Etymological Timeline
Latin
Latin
contingere
“to touch, befall, or happen”
Middle French
Old French
contingent
“dependent upon or subject to chance”
15th Century
Latin
contingentem
“one that touches or is connected to something”
Modern English
English
contingent
“conditional or subject to chance events”