provision
pruh-VIZH-un
/prəˈvɪʒ.ən/
The supply or providing of necessities such as food, water, and medical supplies.
Refers both to the action of supplying items and to the actual stockpiled supplies themselves.
The story behind the word. From Latin 'pro-' (ahead) and 'videre' (to see). Literally meaning 'to see ahead', the act of looking forward naturally leads to storing supplies for future emergencies.
Word relationships
- supplies: Concrete items stocked for immediate operational use.
- stipulation: Refers specifically to a legal clause or condition within a contract.
- deprivation: The state of lacking essential necessities of life.
- withholding: Refusing to grant or supply needed items.
Commonly confused with
- proviso: A proviso is a legal condition or restriction, whereas provisions are physical goods or the act of supplying.
Word family
- provide (verb): To supply or make available.
- provider (noun): A person or entity that supplies resources.
Collocations
- emergency provision
- provision of aid
- make provisions for
- food provisions
Idioms & expressions
- make provision for
Example sentences
- "The rapid provision of clean drinking water prevented a cholera outbreak in the refugee camp." Humanitarian Assistance
Memory hook
PROVISION comes from PRO-VISION: seeing ahead to provide supplies. See ahead and supply.
When not to use
Do not use when describing a simple personal gift.
Fun facts
- The plural noun 'provisions' almost exclusively refers to food supplies and emergency rations.
Explore more words
Clause, provisions, stipulation, Stipulate, Terms, requisition
Also appears in
- Environmental Policy & Sustainability Economics → International Environmental Accords
- Political Science & Governance → Policy Formulation & Intervention
- Hobbies, Crafts & Leisure → Outdoor Recreation & Camping
- Emergency Services & Public Safety → Emergency Shelters & Evacuation
- Work & Office Life → Office IT & Tech Support
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