Provisional
prəˈvɪʒənəl
Definitions
Arranged or existing for the present time, and liable to be changed; not final or definite.
prəˈvɪʒənəl
Temporary or for the time being
The contract is provisional until the background checks are completed.
💡 Simply: It's like a temporary fix. Imagine you're building a treehouse, and you put up some provisional supports until you get the super-strong permanent ones.
👶 For kids: Something that's not permanent, like a pretend toy or a temporary sticker.
More Examples
We've made a provisional booking for the hotel.
The government announced a provisional tax plan.
How It's Used
"The provisional agreement allowed the company to start operations before all details were finalized."
"The provisional government was formed after the coup."
Synonyms & Antonyms
Synonyms
Antonyms
Idioms & expressions
provisional patent
A type of patent application that establishes a priority date for an invention but does not undergo formal examination.
"The inventor filed a provisional patent to protect their idea while they worked on a full application."
provisional measure
Action taken as a temporary step to address a situation.
"The government implemented provisional measures to stabilize the economy during the crisis."
From Late Latin *prōvisionālis*, from Latin *prōvidēre* 'to foresee, provide'. The word's usage developed in legal and administrative contexts, emphasizing a temporary or conditional nature.
Used extensively in legal and governmental contexts since the early 19th century, often in reference to laws, treaties, and arrangements that were not yet fully formalized.
Memory tip
Think of a temporary provision; it's only good until a permanent solution is found.
Word Origin
"to foresee, to provide"