provisory

[ pruh-vahy-zuh-ree ]

adjective

1. containing a proviso or condition; conditional.
2. provisional ( defs 1, 2 ).

provisory

/ prəˈvaɪzərɪ /

adjective

1. containing a proviso; conditional
2. another word for provisional
3. making provision

Derived Forms

• proˈvisorily, adverb

Other Words From

• pro·viso·ri·ly adverb

Word History and Origins

Origin of provisory¹

1605–15; < Medieval Latin prōvīsōrius, equivalent to Latin prōvid-, stem of prōvidēre to provide + -tōrius -tory ¹, with dt > s

Example Sentences

My feelings of safety and belonging are still highly provisory.

From The Guardian

Dickinson’s dashes are ubiquitous in all but the earliest editions of her poems, but fewer editions reproduce her plus signs, which mark an unfinished or provisory line, later to be filled in.

From The New Yorker

Through the car window, we spot trees scarred by artillery and provisory barracks made of car tires.

From Slate

The airline seats are arranged in a group and function as a provisory sofa for the volunteers.

From Slate

A provisory government was established, entitled the Government of the National Defence.

From Project Gutenberg