Provisional Meaning and Definition
Provisional
Pronunciation
/prəˈvɪʒənəl/
Part of Speech
Noun
Definition
A temporary or preliminary arrangement, agreement, or authorization that is pending final approval or formalization.
Examples
- The company has a provisional arrangement with a supplier for the delivery of raw materials.
- The government has granted a provisional license to operate the new business.
Synonyms
- Preliminary
- Temporary
- Conditional
Antonyms
- Final
- Permanent
- Definitive
Etymology
The word “provisional” comes from the Latin “provisionalis,” meaning “of or relating to providing for,” and is derived from “provido,” meaning “to provide for.”
Usage Notes
Provisional agreements or arrangements are often used in business, government, and other areas where a temporary or temporary solution is needed before a more permanent arrangement can be put in place.
Cultural References
Provisional is featured in the 2016 film “Provisional”, a drama about a group of young people who embark on a journey to find a provisional solution to their financial struggles.
Idiomatic Expressions or Phrases
- “Provisional arrangement” is often used in business and government contexts.
Related Words or Phrases
- Preliminary
- Temporary
- Pending
Collocations
- “Provisional agreement” is a common collocation in business and government contexts.
Frequency of Use
Provisional is a relatively uncommon word in modern language, but it is often used in specialized contexts such as business and government.
Common Misspellings
- provisinal
- provisonel