# provisional

/pɹəˈvɪʒənəɫ/ (US) · /pɹəvˈɪʒənəl/ (UK)

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/provisional
Updated: 2026-08-15

## Senses

### 1. temporary and subject to change

adjective · CEFR B2

temporary and intended to be replaced by something permanent later.

For teachers: 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.

### 2. a temporary item

noun · CEFR C1 · Technical

a temporary version of something, like a stamp or a set of false teeth.

For teachers: 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.

### 3. IRA member

noun · CEFR C2 · Dialect · Formal

a member of a specific Irish political and military group.

For teachers: 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.

## Examples

- We made a provisional booking for the hotel.
- The government released a provisional report on the accident while the full investigation was still ongoing.
- The committee reached a provisional agreement on the budget, though several members noted that the final figures would depend on the upcoming quarterly tax revenue data.

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