proviso

American  

[pruh-vahy-zoh] / prəˈvaɪ zoʊ /

noun

• provisos,
  plural
• provisoes
  plural

1. a clause in a statute, contract, or the like, by which a condition is introduced.

2. a stipulation or condition.

   Synonyms:

   qualification, limitation, restriction

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proviso British  

/ prəˈvaɪzəʊ /

noun

1. a clause in a document or contract that embodies a condition or stipulation

2. a condition or stipulation

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Other Word Forms

Noun Inflected Forms

• provisoes
  plural
• provisos
  plural

Etymology

Origin of proviso

1400–50; late Middle English < Medieval Latin prōvīsō, for prōvīsō ( quod ) it being provided (that), ablative neuter singular of Latin prōvīsus, past participle of prōvidēre to provide

Explanation

A proviso is something added to a document or agreement that details the terms. You might agree to buy a used car with a proviso that the fuzzy steering-wheel cover is included as part of the sale. Proviso looks a lot like the words "provide" and "provision," and it goes back to the Latin verb providēre, "foresee, provide." Proviso often implies that there are conditions to getting something, as when you agree to take your younger brother to the movies with you, provided — with the proviso — that you get popcorn and an 82-ounce soft drink. Most parents would agree, with the proviso that the drink be no more than 20 ounces. Agreed?

Example Sentences

See Examples For:

proviso provisoes provisos

There’s an interesting proviso in the Allbirds–to–NewBird AI switchover that’s gotten much less public attention.

From Slate ● Apr. 16, 2026

The title refers to a proposed Hollywood adaptation of “Sherman’s March,” which Mr. McElwee signs off on with a measure of skepticism and a proviso that he be allowed to film a making-of documentary.

From The Wall Street Journal ● Mar. 10, 2026

Young coaches are often appointed on the proviso that their role is to prepare the team to win games.

From BBC ● Feb. 27, 2026

Over a decade ago, Britain’s environmental regulator approved a new coastal nuclear power station on the proviso its cooling system wouldn’t suck in millions of fish from the Bristol Channel.

From The Wall Street Journal ● Dec. 12, 2025

Finally, the request was approved, with the proviso that I could see my colleagues one by one, not together.

From "Long Walk to Freedom" by Nelson Mandela

Why was the crown entailed by so many provisoes, reserves, and limitations?

From A Seasonable Warning and Caution against the Insinuations of Papists and Jacobites in favour of the Pretender Being a Letter from an Englishman at the Court of Hanover by Daniel Defoe

Provided!—Oh!" cried Vivian, laughing, "spare your musty provisoes, my dear philosopher!

From Tales and Novels — Volume 05 by Maria Edgeworth

We have in these few brief provisoes the sum total of everything that, in effect, constitutes the liberty of the subject.

From The Empire of the East by H. B. (Helen Barrett) Montgomery

“From Densham’s very elaborate provisoes I think we may gather that he has a plan.”

From Mysterious Mr. Sabin by E. Phillips (Edward Phillips) Oppenheim

The provisoes of the act virtually left the whole power of punishment still in the hands of the governor and council.

From History of the Colony and Ancient Dominion of Virginia by Charles Campbell

I said, “Well, I don’t actually do that kind of thing. But I’ll do it with two provisos: One, you have to introduce me. And two, you have to sing a song with me.”

From Los Angeles Times ● Nov. 11, 2024

Legislators have ways of reviving bills when they’re motivated to do so, and some proposals can find new life and a different form as provisos in the budget.

From Seattle Times ● Feb. 2, 2024

Two novel provisos, however, combine to make the rule nearly toothless.

From Slate ● Nov. 14, 2023

Since then, they have created clauses for providing cover, including provisos that ships need to stay inside the corridor when transiting or risk invalidating their policies.

From Reuters ● Nov. 2, 2022

But in practice it may be so surrounded with safeguards and limitations, so wrapped up in provisos and conditions, as to completely defeat its own end and reverse its intent.

From Branded by Francis Lynde