contingently

Contingently is an adverb describing something that occurs or exists in a contingent or conditional manner. It signals dependence on external conditions, chances, or factors rather than necessity.

The word derives from contingent, which itself comes from Latin contingere, meaning to happen or befall. The adverb is formed by adding -ly to contingent.

Philosophical usage: In modal logic, a proposition is contingent if it is true in some possible worlds and false in others; this contrasts with necessary propositions true in all possible worlds.

Usage tips: In ordinary writing, 'contingently' is less common than 'contingent' or 'conditionally.' It appears in formal contexts: for example, "The project will proceed contingently on securing funding" or "Plans are contingent upon weather conditions."