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

During the election, he jumped on social media when Vice President Kamala Harris appeared on the Nov. 2 episode of NBC’s “Saturday Night Live” to point out that the network also owed an invitation to Trump under the FCC’s equal time provision.

From Los Angeles Times

Particularly worrisome was a provision in the proposed ordinance that would require hotels to cover an hourly $8.35 “health payment” for workers on top of the wage hikes.

From Los Angeles Times

But the advice-and-consent provision of the Constitution requires more than a rubber stamp from the Senate.

From Slate

Only voters can change the constitutional provision, but lawmakers have the power and duty to change the law.

From Los Angeles Times

The provision of anti-personnel land mines is the latest move by the outgoing US administration to bolster Ukraine's war effort before Donald Trump returns to the White House on 20 January.

From BBC

Related Words

• arrangement
• plan