provisional
pruh-VIZH-un-ul
/prəˈvɪʒənəl/
Arranged or existing for the present, possibly to be changed later.
Implies a deliberate, temporary setup that is waiting for a permanent replacement.
The story behind the word. From 'provision', which comes from the Latin 'pro-' (forward) + 'videre' (to see). It originally meant 'foresight' or 'looking ahead'. A provisional arrangement is one made while 'looking forward' to a permanent one.
Word relationships
- tentative: Tentative implies hesitation or lack of confidence; provisional is more about a formal, temporary status.
- definitive: Definitive means final and not subject to change.
Commonly confused with
- interim: Provisional often refers to a plan or document; interim often refers to a person filling a role.
Word family
- provision (noun): The action of providing or supplying something for use.
Collocations
- provisional government
- provisional license
- provisional results
- provisional arrangement
Example sentences
- "After the revolution, a provisional government was established to oversee the transition to democracy." Describing a government setup.
- "The dates for the conference are still provisional and may change depending on speaker availability." Describing a schedule.
Memory hook
A 'Pro-Vision' is a 'Professional Vision' for now, but not forever. Subject to change.
When not to use
Do not use for natural phenomena; use for human-made plans or agreements.
Fun facts
- In sports, a 'provisional' is a second ball played in golf when the first might be lost or out of bounds.
Related words
Explore more words
interim, improvise, contingent, improvisation, experimental, occasional
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