stipulation
stip-yuh-LAY-shuhn
/ˌstɪpjuˈleɪʃn/
A condition or requirement that is specified or demanded as part of an agreement.
Stipulations are the 'fine print' or specific rules that must be followed for the deal to remain valid.
The story behind the word. In ancient Rome, a 'stipula' was a straw. It is believed that parties to a contract would break a straw to symbolize their agreement, or perhaps it refers to the 'firmness' (stip-) of the promise.
Word relationships
- proviso: A proviso is a specific clause in a document that introduces a condition; stipulation is the demand itself.
- prerequisite: A prerequisite is something that must happen before something else can start; a stipulation is a rule within an agreement.
Commonly confused with
- specification: A specification is a detailed description of design or materials; a stipulation is a required condition of a deal.
Word family
- stipulate (verb): To demand or specify a requirement.
Collocations
- major stipulation
- added stipulation
- subject to the stipulation
- contractual stipulation
Example sentences
- "The buyer's only stipulation was that the roof be repaired before the closing date." Real estate contract
- "Both lawyers agreed to a stipulation of the facts to speed up the trial process." Legal proceedings
Memory hook
STIPULATION: A STEP (stip) you must take for the deal to move forward. The fine print.
When not to use
Not for a general suggestion; it must be a required condition of a formal agreement.
Fun facts
- In legal 'stipulations', lawyers agree on certain facts so they don't have to waste time proving them in court (e.g., 'stipulating' that the weather was rainy on the day of the accident).
Related words
Explore more words
Stipulate, Terms, specification, Clause, requisition, Binding
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