Word
provisional
Phoneticspro·vi·sion·al, stress on the second syllable
US/pɹəˈvɪʒənəɫ/
UK/pɹəvˈɪʒənəl/
Definitions
01temporary and subject to change
B2 · Upper Intermediate
adj. temporary and intended to be replaced by something permanent later.
adj. provided or serving for the time being only; existing as a temporary arrangement to be replaced by a permanent equivalent.
“We have a provisional date for the wedding, but we might change it.”
“The committee reached a provisional agreement, though several clauses remain subject to further negotiation before the final contract is signed.”
02a temporary item
C1 · Advanced Countable noun Technical
n. a temporary version of something, like a stamp or a set of false teeth.
n. a temporary or interim item, such as a postage stamp issued before an official release or a temporary dental appliance.
“The dentist fitted a provisional while the permanent crown was being made.”
“Collectors often seek out rare provisionals issued by local postmasters during periods of civil unrest or supply shortages.”
Synonyms
03IRA member
C2 · Proficiency Countable noun Dialect · Formal
n. a member of a specific Irish political and military group.
n. a member of the Provisional Irish Republican Army.
“The documentary interviewed a former provisional about the peace process.”
“Historical accounts of the Troubles often distinguish between the actions of the Provisionals and other paramilitary factions active at the time.”
Real-World Examples
“Before Friday’s vote, the government had been operating under a provisional budget mechanism to keep paying civil servants and funding welfare programmes.” “Ofwat has given provisional approval for 13 water companies to charge customers more to pay for investments.” Word family
ADJECTIVE
ADVERB
- Exam level
- CambridgeCambridgeCambridge English QualificationsThe exam suite from Cambridge University Press & Assessment, from A1 Movers up to C2 Proficiency. The benchmark names double as CEFR labels.B2 FirstIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.5.5–6.5TOEFL iBTTOEFL iBTTest of English as a Foreign Language, Internet-Based TestETS's academic English test, the standard route for US university admissions. Scored 0–120, with a 1–6 scale since 2026.1–6 scale: 4.0–4.572–94TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.785–944
- Frequency
- Frequent
- Level
- B2 · Upper Intermediate
- Updated
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