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

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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

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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

And of course the other selection proviso depends on whether Declan Rice has fully recovered after being pressed into service against Norway so soon after recovering from being unwell.

From BBC ● Jul. 13, 2026

Mr. McElwee signs off on the project, with the encouragement of Adrian—who has long thought his father should aim more for the mainstream—and the proviso that he be allowed to shoot a making-of film.

From The Wall Street Journal ● Jul. 9, 2026

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

The young man had a kind of poise about him, though, that looked as though it might hold up indefinitely, with the very small proviso that he keep at least one hand in one pocket.

From "Nine Stories" by J. D. Salinger

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

The bill, however, was clogged with provisoes against the encroachments of prerogative.

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

“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

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

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

From Tales and Novels — Volume 05 by Maria Edgeworth

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

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

While this is undoubtedly cause for concern, there are some provisos.

From BBC ● Aug. 2, 2022

There was no use to appeal to delicacy; attenuating provisos would not help; small deceptions practised in the spirit of love would prove ineffectual.

From The Goose Man by Allen Wilson Porterfield

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