Meaning & Definition of word "Provisional"

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.