provisions
pruh-VIZH-uhnz
/prəˈvɪʒənz/
Supplies of food, drink, or other necessities, especially prepared for a journey or a period of time.
Carries a sense of foresight, preparation, and survival. It is more formal than 'supplies' or 'groceries' and often implies a large quantity.
The story behind the word. From the Latin providere, meaning 'to foresee' or 'look ahead' (from pro- 'forward' + videre 'to see'). Provisions are literally the things you gather when you look ahead to future needs, ensuring you don't run out of food.
Word relationships
- supplies: Supplies can include non-food items like tools or fuel, whereas provisions historically and primarily refers to food and vital sustenance.
Commonly confused with
- rations: Rations are strictly measured, fixed portions of food distributed during a shortage, while provisions refers to the general stock of food available.
Word family
- provide (verb): To supply or make available.
Collocations
- stock up on provisions
- travel provisions
- emergency provisions
Example sentences
- "Before setting out across the desert, the travelers stocked up on water and dried provisions." Preparing for an expedition.
- "The fortress had enough provisions to withstand a siege of several months." Historical context.
Memory hook
A pro visionary looks ahead and packs enough food. Looking ahead to pack food.
When not to use
Do not use to describe a single, casual snack; it refers to a collective stock of essential supplies.
Fun facts
- In the age of sail, 'provisions' for a ship's crew heavily relied on hardtack—a rock-hard biscuit that could last for years without spoiling.
Related words
Explore more words
livelihood, privation, self-sufficient, deprived, subsist, deprivation
Also appears in
Take your vocabulary further with LangBlitz
Our English vocabulary app: FSRS spaced repetition, 5,000+ curated words across 119 topic groups, CEFR A1 to C2. Explore your mastery with the beautiful Vocabulary World feature.