stipulate

¹

[stip-yuh-leyt]

verb (used without object)

stipulated, stipulating 

1. to make an express demand or arrangement as a condition of agreement (often followed byfor ).

verb (used with object)

stipulated, stipulating 

1. to arrange expressly or specify in terms of agreement.

   to stipulate a price.

   Synonyms: state, specify, name, lay down, fix, detail, define

2. to require as an essential condition in making an agreement.

   Total disarmament was stipulated in the peace treaty.

   Synonyms: specify, require, prescribe, demand

3. to promise, in making an agreement.

4. Law.,  to accept (a proposition) without requiring that it be established by proof.

   to stipulate the existence of certain facts or that an expert witness is qualified.

stipulate

²

[stip-yuh-lit, -leyt]

adjective

Botany.

1. having stipules.

stipulate

¹

/ ˈstɪpjʊlətərɪ, ˈstɪpjʊləbəl, ˈstɪpjʊˌleɪt, -trɪ /

verb

1. (tr; may take a clause as object) to specify, often as a condition of an agreement

2. to insist (on) as a term of an agreement

3. Roman law to make (an oral contract) in the form of question and answer necessary to render it legally valid

4. (tr; may take a clause as object) to guarantee or promise

stipulate

²

/ -ˌleɪt, ˈstɪpjʊlɪt /

adjective

1. (of a plant) having stipules

Other Word Forms

• stipulable adjective
• stipulator noun
• stipulatory adjective
• stipulation noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of stipulate¹

First recorded in 1615–25; from Latin stipulātus (past participle of stipulārī “to demand a formal agreement”), apparently equivalent to stipul- ( stipule ) + -ātus -ate ¹

Origin of stipulate²

From the New Latin word stipulātus, dating back to 1770–80. See stipule, -ate ¹

Word History and Origins

Origin of stipulate¹

C17: from Latin stipulārī, probably from Old Latin stipulus firm, but perhaps from stipula a stalk, from the convention of breaking a straw to ratify a promise

Example Sentences

The Official Secrets Act stipulates that a person can be punished for harming the interests of the state by sharing information “intended to be directly or indirectly useful to an enemy.”

Read more on Wall Street Journal

The plan stipulates that once both sides agree to the proposal "full aid will be immediately sent into the Gaza Strip".

Read more on BBC

Crucially, the agreement stipulates Israel will not occupy or annex Gaza, nor will its residents be forced to leave, conditions that frustrate Netanyahu’s right-wing allies.

Read more on Los Angeles Times

According to leaked copies of the plan published by US and Israeli media, it stipulates the release of all hostages within 48 hours of the deal being confirmed.

Read more on BBC

Don informs the executive committee that the health department has issued a letter stipulating what parents must do for their child to return to school.

Read more on Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• designate 
• guarantee 
• impose 
• lay down 
• provide 
• require 
• specify 
• spell out