Meaning & Definition of word "Provisional"

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    Provisional

    /prəˈvɪʒ.ən.əl/

    adjective:

    • 1. Arranged or existing for the present, possibly to be changed later.
      • Example: The committee made a provisional decision to delay the vote.
    • 2. Temporary and subject to further confirmation.
      • Example: She received a provisional license to practice law until she passed the bar exam.
    • 3. Intended to last or be used for a short time only.
      • Example: The provisional housing provided by the government was meant to assist the displaced families.
    • 4. Not fully established or permanent.
      • Example: They reached a provisional agreement until the final terms could be negotiated.

    Etymology

    From Latin 'providere', meaning to provide.

    Common Phrases and Expressions

    provisional authority:

    An authority granted temporarily until a permanent one is established.

    provisional measures:

    Measures taken temporarily during a situation until a permanent solution is implemented.

    Related Words

    provision:

    The act of providing or supplying something.

    provide:

    To make available; supply.

    Slang Meanings of provisional

    Meaning: A temporary arrangement or solution.

    Example Sentence: We took a provisional approach until we figured things out.

    Meaning: A stopgap measure.

    Example Sentence: Let's use that as a provisional fix for now.