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

"We have made a provision for veterans in relation to it, the protections have been put in place," he said.

From BBC

In Scotland a spokesperson said the government was committed to ensuring vital services were protected and eligibility criteria for the provision of children's wheelchairs has remained unchanged since 2014.

From BBC

The proclamation includes provisions for national interest exemptions that could allow legitimate high-skilled immigration while blocking exploitative practices by outsourcing firms.

From Los Angeles Times

But the group has since changed its stance after the bill was amended with a legal provision that won’t allow individuals or private parties to sue streaming services for violating the law.

From Los Angeles Times

The Labour government has promised to publish its plans on how to reform Send provision in England this autumn.

From BBC

Related Words

• arrangement 
• plan