stipulate

¹

[ stip-yuh-leyt ]

verb (used without object)

stipulated, stipulating.

1. to make an express demand or arrangement as a condition of agreement (often followed by for ).

verb (used with object)

stipulated, stipulating.

1. to arrange expressly or specify in terms of agreement:

   to stipulate a price.

   Synonyms: state, specify, name, fix, detail, define, lay down

2. to require as an essential condition in making an agreement:

   Total disarmament was stipulated in the peace treaty.

   Synonyms: specify, require, prescribe, demand

3. to promise, in making an agreement.
4. Law. to accept (a proposition) without requiring that it be established by proof:

   to stipulate the existence of certain facts or that an expert witness is qualified.

stipulate

²

[ stip-yuh-lit, -leyt ]

adjective

Botany.

1. having stipules.

stipulate

¹

/ ˈstɪpjʊlətərɪ; ˈstɪpjʊləbəl; ˈstɪpjʊˌleɪt; -trɪ /

verb

1. tr; may take a clause as object to specify, often as a condition of an agreement
2. intrfoll byfor to insist (on) as a term of an agreement
3. Roman law to make (an oral contract) in the form of question and answer necessary to render it legally valid
4. tr; may take a clause as object to guarantee or promise

stipulate

²

/ -ˌleɪt; ˈstɪpjʊlɪt /

adjective

1. (of a plant) having stipules

Derived Forms

• ˌstipuˈlation, noun
• stipulatory, adjective
• ˈstipuˌlator, noun
• stipulable, adjective

Other Word Forms

• stip·u·la·ble [stip, -y, uh, -l, uh, -b, uh, l], adjective
• stip·u·la·tor noun
• stip·u·la·to·ry [stip, -y, uh, -l, uh, -tawr-ee], adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of stipulate¹

First recorded in 1615–25; from Latin stipulātus (past participle of stipulārī “to demand a formal agreement”), apparently equivalent to stipul- ( stipule ) + -ātus -ate ¹

Origin of stipulate²

From the New Latin word stipulātus, dating back to 1770–80. See stipule, -ate ¹

Word History and Origins

Origin of stipulate¹

C17: from Latin stipulārī, probably from Old Latin stipulus firm, but perhaps from stipula a stalk, from the convention of breaking a straw to ratify a promise

Example Sentences

In approving the Rams’ relocation from St. Louis, the NFL stipulated that the Chargers, were they to move there from San Diego, would get equal representation on that site.

From Los Angeles Times

Watkins agreed to the suspension under a stipulated settlement with the state’s dental board.

From Los Angeles Times

The cease-fire, which is overseen by the U.S., stipulates the group must withdraw from southern Lebanon and for the Lebanese army to take its stead.

From Los Angeles Times

The original legislation stipulated five years, with a more recent proposal cutting that time to 12 months.

From BBC

Engelmayer further stipulated that bureaucrats with continued access must still pass proper background checks and hold security clearances.

From Salon

Related Words

• designate
• guarantee
• impose
• lay down
• provide
• require
• specify
• spell out

Quiz

Q: Fill in the blank: "Salchipapas" is a portmanteau of the Spanish words for ______ and ______.

• salt and potatoes
• sausage and French fries
• sardines and French fries

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