4 syllables: con, tin, gen, cies. Stress on tin.
kuhn-TIN-juhn-seez
/kəˈntɪndʒənsiz/
contingencies is pronounced kuhn-TIN-juhn-seez (/kəˈntɪndʒənsiz/). It has four syllables (con-tin-gen-cies), with the stress on "tin". Contingencies are future events or circumstances that must be prepared for or are possible but not certain. In planning, they refer to potential conditions that can affect outcomes, requiring readiness or fallback options. The term is often used in risk assessment and project management to denote variables that might influence success or failure.
Contingencies are future events or circumstances that must be prepared for or are possible but not certain. In planning, they refer to potential conditions that can affect outcomes, requiring readiness or fallback options. The term is often used in risk assessment and project management to denote variables that might influence success or failure.
"The project budget includes contingencies for unexpected costs."
"Legal strategies should account for various contingencies that could derail the agreement."
"We built in contingencies to cover possible delays in delivery."
Pronunciation: kən-ˈtɪn-jən-siz. Primary stress on the second syllable: con-TIN-jehn-seez. IPA: US kənˈtɪndʒənsiz, UK kənˈtɪndʒənsiz, AU kənˈtɪndʒənsiz. Tip: start with a neutral /k/ + schwa, then /ˈtɪn/ as in tin, followed by /dʒə/ like judge plus /nsiz/. Repeat slowly, then glide to a smooth plural ending /-siz/. Audio reference: you can compare with Cambridge/Forvo pronunciations.
Common mistakes: 1) Misplacing the stress, saying con-TIN-gi-en-cies; 2) Slurring the /t/ into /dʒ/ or mispronouncing the /tɪndʒ/ cluster as /tən/; 3) Dropping the final /iz/ or making it /ɪz/ instead of /iz/. Correction: keep the /ˈtɪn/ cluster distinct, ensure the /dʒ/ is audible before /ən/ and clearly pronounce /siz/ at the end. Practicing with slow syllable-by-syllable breakdown helps.
Across accents: US tends to ~kənˈtɪndʒənsiz with stronger rhoticity; UK often /kənˈtɪndʒənsiːz/ or /-ziz/, and AU similar to US but with shorter vowel quality and less pronounced /ɪ/ in some speakers. The /tɪndʒ/ cluster remains; the /z/ ending can be voiced as /s/ in rapid speech in some UK varieties. Reference: IPA guides from dictionaries show minor regional vowel shifts while the overall syllable structure remains the same.
Key challenges: 1) The /ˈtɪn/ syllable followed by the /dʒ/ sound (/dʒən/) can be tricky if followed quickly by /ən/; 2) Keeping the /jent/ sequence smooth across /tɪn/ and /dʒə/ without a vowel intrusion; 3) Ending with /siz/ requires a clear /s/ before voiced /z/; practice with slow articulation and then speed up as you maintain clarity.
A distinctive feature is the /tɪn/ plus /dʒən/ sequence before the final /siz/. The /dʒ/ requires a brief contact between the tongue blade and the post-alveolar region, a moment that can be easy to mispronounce in rapid speech if you’re not lifting the tongue quickly enough between the /n/ and /dʒ/. Focusing on the exact tongue placement helps maintain the natural flow.
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Contingencies comes from the Latin contingere, meaning 'to touch upon, happen, befall,' from con- 'together' + tangere 'to touch.' The English noun contingency was formed in the 15th century, originally meaning something that happens or occurs by chance. Over time, its sense broadened to refer to possible events that could influence outcomes, especially in planning and law. The plural contingencies emerged as discussions of multiple possible conditions or events to anticipate. The term is closely tied to risk management and contract language, where contingency plans describe actions reserved for unforeseen developments. In modern usage, contingencies denote a spectrum of potential conditions rather than a single guaranteed occurrence, emphasizing preparedness and conditionality rather than certainty.
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💡 These words have similar meanings to "contingencies" and can often be used interchangeably.
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Words that rhyme with "contingencies"
-ies sounds
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