provision

[pruh-vizh-uhn]

noun

1. a clause in a legal instrument, a law, etc., providing for a particular matter; stipulation; proviso.

   Synonyms: condition

2. the providing or supplying of something, especially of food or other necessities.

3. arrangement or preparation beforehand, as for the doing of something, the meeting of needs, the supplying of means, etc.

4. something provided; a measure or other means for meeting a need.

5. a supply or stock of something provided.

6. provisions, supplies of food.

   Synonyms: stock, provender, store

7. Ecclesiastical.

   1. an appointment to an ecclesiastical office.

   2. appointment by the pope to a see or benefice not yet vacant.

verb (used with object)

1. to supply with provisions.

provision

/ prəˈvɪʒən /

noun

1. the act of supplying or providing food, etc

2. something that is supplied or provided

3. preparations made beforehand (esp in the phrase make provision for )

4. (plural) food and other necessities, esp for an expedition

5. (plural) food obtained for a household

6. a demand, condition, or stipulation formally incorporated in a document; proviso

7. the conferring of and induction into ecclesiastical offices

verb

1. (tr) to supply with provisions

Other Word Forms

• provisioner noun
• provisionless adjective
• overprovision noun
• preprovision noun
• reprovision verb
• self-provision noun
• unprovisioned adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of provision¹

First recorded in 1300–50; Middle English, from Latin prōvīsiōn- (stem of prōvīsiō ) “a foreseeing,” equivalent to prōvīs(us) (past participle of prōvidēre “to foresee, look after, provide”) + -iōn- suffix; provide, -ion

Word History and Origins

Origin of provision¹

C14: from Latin prōvīsiō a providing; see _provide

Synonym Study

See food.

Example Sentences

Southwark Council says it takes Tunde's concerns very seriously and it will continue to support her family to ensure they receive the provision they need without further delay.

From BBC

Dinner provisions I’m heading back to Mint Chip, which is the name of my house, to see Bobby.

From Los Angeles Times

That provision was added to reduce the potential for displacement of renters.

From Los Angeles Times

Such provisions will likely be adopted first in more conservative parts of the country, Fischer said.

From Salon

More recent legislation has created provisions for cancelling or suspending a person's membership of the House of Lords, but only in certain circumstances such as when they have been convicted of a serious criminal offence.

From BBC

Related Words

• arrangement 
• plan