释义 |
con·tin·gen·cy \kənˈtinjənsē, -si\ noun (-es) Etymology: Middle French or Medieval Latin; Middle French contingence, from Medieval Latin contingentia, from Late Latin, possibility, from Latin contingent-, contingens (present participle of contingere to touch on all sides, to happen) + -ia 1. : the quality or state of being contingent: as a. (1) : the condition that something may or may not occur : the condition of being subject to chance (2) : the happening of anything by chance : fortuitousness b. (1) : close connection or relationship especially of a causal nature (2) obsolete : contact, contingence 2. [contingence + -y] a. : something that is contingent : an event or condition occurring by chance and without intent, viewed as possible or eventually probable, or depending on uncertain occurrences or coincidences < the remarkable position of the queen rendering her death a most important contingency — Henry Hallam > b. : a possible future event or condition or an unforeseen occurrence that may necessitate special measures < a reserve fund for contingencies > c. : something liable to happen as a chance feature or accompaniment of something else < contingencies of marriage > Synonyms: see juncture |