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condition

n. · v.
US //kənˈdɪʃən// UK //kəndˈɪʃən// con·di·tion
  1. 1 physical state (n.)
    A2 Elementary

    the physical state that something or someone is in.

    the particular mode of being of a person or thing; a physical or operational state.

    Example

    The used car was in excellent condition and looked almost new.

    Example

    The structural engineers reported that the bridge was in a dangerous condition following the severe winter floods.
  2. 2 a requirement (n.)
    B1 Intermediate Law

    something that must happen or be agreed upon before something else can happen.

    a requirement or provision that must be fulfilled as part of an agreement or for a specific outcome to occur.

    Example

    One condition of the job offer is that you must pass a medical test.

    Example

    The merger was approved on the condition that the company divest its interests in the telecommunications sector.
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  1. 3 medical problem (n.)
    B2 Upper Intermediate Formal Medicine

    an illness or a medical problem that someone has for a long time.

    an illness or medical abnormality, particularly one that is chronic or persistent.

    Example

    He has a heart condition that requires him to take daily medication.

    Example

    The patient was diagnosed with a rare skin condition that had been misidentified by several previous specialists.
  2. 4 circumstances (n.)
    B1 Intermediate

    the situation or environment that someone lives or works in.

    the circumstances affecting the way people live or work, typically used in the plural.

    Example

    The miners worked in very difficult and dangerous conditions.

    Example

    The charity aims to improve the living conditions of families in the most impoverished urban districts.
  3. 5 to train or influence (v.)
    B2 Upper Intermediate

    to train a person or animal to behave in a certain way.

    to train or influence a person or animal to react in a certain way or to accept certain circumstances.

    Example

    We are conditioned by society to believe certain things are normal.

    Example

    The experimental subjects were conditioned to associate the sound of a bell with the arrival of food.
  4. 6 to treat hair (v.)
    B1 Intermediate

    to use a special liquid to make hair or skin soft and healthy.

    to apply a substance to hair or skin to improve its texture and health.

    Example

    You should condition your hair after every wash to keep it shiny.

    Example

    The stylist recommended a deep-penetrating mask to condition the hair after the chemical treatment.
Origin

From Middle English condicioun, from Old French condicion (French condition), from Latin condicio. An unetymological change in spelling due to a confusion with conditio.

Word family
Idioms1 entry

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