English Reference
noun · verb

condition

n. · v.
US /kənˈdɪʃən/ UK /kəndˈɪʃən/ con·di·tion UK spelling conditions

  1. 01 A2 Elementary

    n.the physical state that something or someone is in.

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

    Simple

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

    In context

    The structural engineers reported that the bridge was in a dangerous condition following the severe winter floods.

  2. 02 B1 Intermediate Law

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

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

    Simple

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

    In context

    The merger was approved on the condition that the company divest its interests in the telecommunications sector.

    requirementstipulationproviso
  3. 03 B2 Upper Intermediate Formal Medicine

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

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

    Simple

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

    In context

    The patient was diagnosed with a rare skin condition that had been misidentified by several previous specialists.

  4. 04 B1 Intermediate

    n.the situation or environment that someone lives or works in.

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

    Simple

    The miners worked in very difficult and dangerous conditions.

    In context

    The charity aims to improve the living conditions of families in the most impoverished urban districts.

  5. 05 B2 Upper Intermediate

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

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

    Simple

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

    In context

    The experimental subjects were conditioned to associate the sound of a bell with the arrival of food.

    trainhabituateaccustom
  6. 06 B1 Intermediate

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

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

    Simple

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

    In context

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

    moisturizesoften

Usage condition of anonymity · conditions like · conditions on board


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

Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.

This entry
Origin Latin condicio
Level A2 · Elementary
Frequency Very common
Updated