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

Derived Forms

• proˈvisioner, noun

Other Words From

• pro·vision·er noun
• pro·vision·less adjective
• over·pro·vision noun
• prepro·vision noun
• repro·vision verb
• self-pro·vision noun
• unpro·visioned 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

Badenoch said the tax rise would see councils having to pay more for social care provision and asked if the government was considering lifting a cap on council tax to fill what she claimed was a £2.4bn hole in local government finances.

From BBC

"Many families tell us that they are deeply concerned about the lack of provision for their children post-18, whether that is in relation to lifelong learning, mental health, employment, or supported living," she said.

From BBC

Beitcher asked around about an exemption for the $1.65-million tax bill but was shut down due to an odd wrinkle in the provision.

From Los Angeles Times

There has been a glaring disparity between medical associations’ eagerness to speak out about the Ukraine war and to advocate for protection of medical facilities and provision of humanitarian medical services, and the virtual silence regarding the complete destruction of the health care system in Gaza.

From Salon

"Its size has doubled over time, partly due to the need to accommodate future provision for local rail services," the spokesperson added.

From BBC

Related Words

• arrangement
• plan