Home › Environmental Policy & Sustainability Economics › International Environmental Accords › provision

provision

pruh-VIZH-un /prəˈvɪʒən/

nounC1GREGMATLSAT

formallegalbusiness

A condition or requirement in a legal document; the action of providing or supplying something for use.

In treaties, a 'provision' is a specific clause or article that dictates what a signatory must do.

The story behind the word. From 'pro' (forward) and 'videre' (to see). It literally means 'looking ahead.' A legal provision is a way of 'looking ahead' to ensure certain conditions are met.

Word relationships

clause: A clause is a specific section of a contract; a provision is the requirement contained within that section.
stipulation: Stipulation sounds more like a demand or a specific condition of a deal.

Commonly confused with

proviso: A proviso is a specific condition that must be met for the rest of the agreement to be valid; a provision is any requirement.

Word family

provide (verb): To make available for use; supply.
provisional (adjective): Arranged or existing for the present, possibly to be changed later.

Collocations

legal provision
make provision for
under the provisions of
statutory provision

Example sentences

"The treaty contains a provision that allows countries to withdraw after giving three years' notice." Legal analysis of a treaty.
"The government is responsible for the provision of basic healthcare to all citizens." Social services.

Memory hook

A 'Provision' is a 'Pro-Vision'—looking forward to see what rules are needed. Looking ahead to set the rules.

When not to use

Don't confuse with 'provisions' (plural), which usually refers to food and supplies for a journey.

Fun facts

In the 14th century, a 'provision' was specifically a grant by the Pope of a church office that was not yet vacant.