English Reference

Word

conditioned

Phoneticscon·di·tioned

US/kənˈdɪʃənd/

UK/kəndˈɪʃənd/

Definitions

01trained by habit

C1 · Psychology

adj. trained to act or think in a specific way because of past experiences.

adj. exhibiting a learned response to a specific stimulus through repetitive association.

“The dog was conditioned to expect food whenever he heard the bell ring.”

“The subjects had been so thoroughly conditioned by the experimental parameters that they reacted to the visual cue before they were consciously aware of it.”

Academic

Usage

Often used with the preposition 'to' followed by an infinitive or noun phrase.

Synonyms

trainedprogrammedhabituated

02physically fit

B2 · Sport

adj. in good physical shape because of regular exercise and training.

adj. brought into a desired state of physical fitness or health through a systematic regime.

“The athletes were well conditioned and ready for the long race ahead.”

“After months of high-altitude training, the climbers were perfectly conditioned for the final ascent to the summit.”

Synonyms

Antonyms

unfitout of shape

03dependent on rules

C1

adj. only true or possible if certain other things happen first.

adj. subject to or dependent on specific conditions or circumstances.

“The job offer was conditioned on him passing a final medical exam.”

“The release of the funds was strictly conditioned upon the completion of the first phase of the infrastructure project.”

Formal

Usage

Usually followed by the preposition 'on' or 'upon'.

04to train or influence

B2

v. to train someone or something to behave in a particular way.

v. to train or accustom a person or animal to behave in a certain way or to accept certain circumstances.

“Society often conditions us to believe that success means having a lot of money.”

“The harsh environment had conditioned the local population to be extremely resilient in the face of economic hardship.”

Synonyms

trainaccustomshape

Real-World Examples

“They are more like a reflex, something we have been conditioned to believe is acceptable small talk.”
The Guardian · 25 Aug 2026
“This is a byproduct of how the modern workplace has conditioned us to prioritize the final deliverable—the report, the presentation, the assignment—over the actual process.”
Phys.org · 19 Aug 2026

Domain

Psychology

This entry

Level
C1 · Advanced
Frequency
Frequent
Updated

Scan code

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English Reference