Both Uses of
contingency
in
The Scarlet Letter
- His position is then one of the most singularly irksome, and, in every contingency, disagreeable, that a wretched mortal can possibly occupy; with seldom an alternative of good on either hand, although what presents itself to him as the worst event may very probably be the best.†
Chpt Intr.
- Nevertheless, like the greater part of our misfortunes, even so serious a contingency brings its remedy and consolation with it, if the sufferer will but make the best rather than the worst, of the accident which has befallen him.†
Chpt Intr. *
Definition:
-
(contingency) something that might happen -- especially something that it is hoped will not happen
or more rarely:
something available in case of an event -- especially an event that it is hoped will not occur