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

He’s glad about the no-tax-on-tips provision in the massive legislative package passed last spring, though, “I’m still being taxed at the same rate and there’s no extra money coming in right now.”

Read more on Los Angeles Times

It found particular gaps in provision for older children, those with special educational needs and disabilities, and those with parents working non-typical hours.

Read more on BBC

Roettgen argued that including conscription provisions in the law now -- instead of putting off a decision into the future -- was an important matter of transparency.

Read more on Barron's

The old adage to “measure twice, cut once” is especially relevant for multiyear labor contracts that can cover hundreds of bargaining provisions.

Read more on The Wall Street Journal

Wall Street analysts had expected $245 million in loan loss provisions, which is money that banks set aside to cover anticipated problems with loans, according to FactSet data.

Read more on MarketWatch

Related Words

• arrangement 
• plan