The phrase "contingent upon" is commonly used to express the idea that something is dependent on something else happening first. Its spelling can be a bit tricky to remember. In IPA phonetic transcription, it would be pronounced kənˈtɪndʒənt əˈpɒn, with the stress on the second syllable of "contingent" and the first syllable of "upon." The word "contingent" itself is spelled with a "g" instead of a "j," even though it sounds like a "j" in pronunciation. Keeping these details in mind can help make spelling "contingent upon" easier.
"Contingent upon" is a phrase used to express a conditional or dependent relationship between two or more factors or events. It signifies that the occurrence or outcome of one element is reliant on the presence, completion, or fulfillment of another element. In other words, the realization or validity of something is subject to the prior or concurrent existence, accomplishment, or fulfillment of a particular circumstance or condition.
This phrase implies that one event, action, or condition has a direct influence or impact on the likelihood, feasibility, timing, occurrence, or result of another event, action, or condition. It highlights a cause-effect relationship, emphasizing that the happening or success of one aspect is hinged upon or, sometimes, restricted by the realization of another aspect. The relationship established by "contingent upon" suggests that both elements are interconnected and interdependent, and that the absence or alteration of one may significantly affect the other.
The phrase is commonly employed in contract negotiations, legal contexts, policy-making, and other formal settings where precise conditions and dependencies need to be established. It emphasizes that the fulfillment or non-fulfillment of certain terms, obligations, requirements, or circumstances determines the validity, execution, or consequences of an agreement, decision, or arrangement. Ultimately, the usage of "contingent upon" serves as a means to clarify the contingent nature of relationships, emphasize causal links, and highlight the importance of specific conditions for determining outcomes or actions.
The word "contingent" ultimately comes from the Latin word "contingere", which means "to touch" or "to happen". It is derived from the combination of the prefix "con-" (meaning "together") and the verb "tangere" (meaning "to touch"). In English, "contingent" came to mean dependent on or influenced by something else.
The word "upon" has Old English roots and can be traced back to the Old English preposition "uppan", meaning "on" or "upon". It has undergone various changes throughout history, eventually becoming "upon" in Modern English.
When combined, "contingent upon" refers to a condition or situation that is dependent on or subject to something else. It implies that an action or event will occur only if certain conditions are met.