contingent
UK[kənˈtɪndʒənt]US[kənˈtɪndʒənt]
adj
Subject to chance or dependent on circumstances not yet known.
adj
Occurring or existing only if certain conditions are met.
n
A group of people representing an organization or country, or forming part of a larger force.
Morpheme Breakdown
con
ting
ent
con
together
ting
to touch
ent
being, performing, or causing (a specific action)
Etymology
The word contingent derives from the Latin verb contingere, meaning "to touch, meet, or befall," which itself is a compound of con- (together) and tangere (to touch). The core idea is of something that "touches upon" or is connected to circumstances, thus being dependent on them. From this literal sense of contact, the meaning evolved to describe events that happen by chance (as if "touching" upon a situation) and, subsequently, to a group "touching" or joining a larger assembly. The modern senses of conditional dependence and a representative group both flow logically from this ancient concept of connection through touch.
Analysis
Structure: con + ting + ent
con: Latin origin, a prefix meaning "together" or "with".
ting: From Latin tangere, meaning "to touch".
ent: Latin suffix forming adjectives (and nouns from them) meaning "being, performing, or causing (a specific action)".
Examples
Our travel plans are contingent upon receiving the necessary visas.
The success of the mission was contingent on several unpredictable factors.
A large contingent of students attended the rally to show their support.