contingence: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
Very Low (C2/Advanced Academic/Philosophical)Formal, Academic, Philosophical, Literary
Quick answer
What does “contingence” mean?
A future event or circumstance which is possible but cannot be predicted with certainty.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A future event or circumstance which is possible but cannot be predicted with certainty; the state of being contingent or dependent on something else.
In philosophy, the quality of being contingent (i.e., not necessarily true or existing). In mathematics/logic, a proposition that is true in some possible worlds but false in others.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant regional difference in meaning. Both varieties strongly prefer 'contingency'. 'Contingence' is a rare, formal variant in both.
Connotations
In both varieties, 'contingence' carries a highly formal, technical, or archaic connotation, often found in philosophical texts.
Frequency
Extremely rare in both corpora. Appears most frequently in historical or specialized philosophical writing.
Grammar
How to Use “contingence” in a Sentence
the contingence of [NOUN PHRASE] (e.g., the contingence of human existence)[NOUN PHRASE] is a mere contingenceVocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “contingence” in a Sentence
noun
British English
- The philosopher argued that human freedom arises from the radical contingence of historical processes.
- Their plan accounted for every conceivable contingence.
American English
- The theory explores the ontological contingence of all natural laws.
- We must prepare for any financial contingence.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Virtually never used. 'Contingency plan' is the universal term.
Academic
Used in philosophy, theology, and critical theory to discuss the nature of existence, truth, and historical development.
Everyday
Not used.
Technical
In logic, refers to a statement that is not necessarily true or false.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “contingence”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “contingence”
- Using 'contingence' in everyday speech instead of 'contingency' or 'possibility'.
- Misspelling as 'contingance'.
- Assuming it is a common word.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
'Contingency' is the common, modern word for an event that may occur. 'Contingence' is a rare, often philosophical synonym. In 99% of cases, use 'contingency'.
It is exclusively a noun. The related adjective is 'contingent'.
No. It would sound archaic and pretentious. Always use 'contingency' (e.g., contingency plan, contingency fund).
Primarily in philosophy (especially metaphysics, existentialism), theology, critical theory, and the history of ideas.
A future event or circumstance which is possible but cannot be predicted with certainty.
Contingence is usually formal, academic, philosophical, literary in register.
Contingence: in British English it is pronounced /kənˈtɪn.dʒəns/, and in American English it is pronounced /kənˈtɪn.dʒəns/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of 'CONTINGENCE' as a fancy, older cousin of 'CONTINGENCY'. Both start with 'CONTING-', relating to what might happen.
Conceptual Metaphor
THE FUTURE IS AN UNCHARTED TERRITORY (where contingences are unexpected landmarks); EXISTENCE IS A FRAGILE THREAD (dependent on countless contingences).
Practice
Quiz
In which context is 'contingence' MOST appropriately used?