Contingent On - English Definition & Meaning

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Definition

"Contingent on" means that something is dependent on something else happening. It's similar to "conditional," but often implies a more direct or immediate dependence. Think of a bonus that's contingent on meeting a sales target. Or a vacation that's contingent on getting time off from work. It suggests a specific requirement or prerequisite. 🔑

Etymology

"Contingent" comes from the Latin word "contingens," meaning "touching" or "happening." This derives from "contingere," meaning "to happen" or "to touch." The idea is that something's occurrence "touches" or depends on something else occurring. It's deeply rooted in the concept of dependence. 🤓

Related Words

Examples

  • "Her promotion is contingent on her performance review."
  • "The funding is contingent on the project's success."
  • "Their travel plans are contingent on the weather."
  • "The sale is contingent on a satisfactory inspection."

Anecdote / Story

In heist movies like 'Ocean's Eleven,' the success of the entire plan is contingent on each team member completing their specific task. If one person fails, the whole operation falls apart. It emphasizes the interconnectedness and dependence between different elements. Brad Pitt's hunger is often contingent on food.

Encouragement

Use "contingent on" to describe situations where one thing depends on another. Recognizing these dependencies helps you understand the requirements for success. Keep learning and exploring the connections between things! 💯

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