Word
proviso
Phoneticspro·vi·so, stress on the second syllable
US/pɹəˈvaɪzoʊ/
UK/pɹəvˈaɪzəʊ/
Countable noun
Definition
n. a special condition added to an agreement. You agree to something, but only if this condition is kept.
n. a condition or stipulation attached to an agreement or legal document, making its effect dependent on compliance. Often introduced by the phrase 'with the proviso that'.
Examples
“They buy the house with the proviso that repairs finish soon.”
“The manager approves the funding with the proviso that the team submits monthly progress reports.”
“The peace accord was signed with the proviso that both sides would withdraw heavy weapons within ninety days, a clause that later proved decisive when violations threatened to unravel the entire settlement.”
Examples
simple
“They buy the house with the proviso that repairs finish soon.”
contextual
“The manager approves the funding with the proviso that the team submits monthly progress reports.”
complex
“The peace accord was signed with the proviso that both sides would withdraw heavy weapons within ninety days, a clause that later proved decisive when violations threatened to unravel the entire settlement.”
Collocations
Common phrases and expressions where native English speakers use the word “proviso” in context.
Verb
01. add proviso
“The lawyers added a proviso requiring completion by June.”
verb + noun
02. attach proviso
“Parliament approved the bill but attached a proviso on spending.”
verb + noun
03. include proviso
“The contract includes a proviso allowing early termination.”
verb + noun
04. proviso requires
“The proviso requires both parties to give 30 days' notice.”
noun + verb
05. proviso stipulates
“The proviso stipulates that rent must be paid in advance.”
noun + verb
Adjective
06. crucial proviso
“He accepted the job with the crucial proviso that he could work remotely.”
adj + noun
07. important proviso
“They agreed to the deal with one important proviso about payment terms.”
adj + noun
08. major proviso
“The council approved the plan with a major proviso on funding.”
adj + noun
Noun
09. addition of proviso
“The addition of a proviso on safety secured union support.”
noun + prep + noun
10. proviso in agreement
“The proviso in the agreement protects small investors.”
noun + prep + noun
11. proviso to contract
“They added a proviso to the contract covering delays.”
noun + prep + noun
12. accept with a proviso
“He accepted the offer with a proviso about working hours.”
Usage
Commonly appears in the pattern 'with the proviso that' followed by a clause.
Real-World Examples
“The city had been a British colony until 1997, when it was handed to China on the proviso it retained its democratic autonomy for the following 50 years.” “Erasmus named Kolisi in his starting XV on Monday with the proviso that he came through training unscathed to prove his fitness, which he has done.” “Since then, they have created clauses for providing cover, including provisos that ships need to stay inside the corridor when transiting or risk invalidating their policies.” Etymology
Borrowed from Latin proviso (“it being provided”), ablative singular neuter of provisus, past participle of providere (“to provide”); see provide.
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
Synonyms
Related words
- 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.C1 AdvancedIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.7.0–8.0TOEFL 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: 5.0–5.595–113TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.945–990
- Frequency
- Occasional
- Level
- C1 · Advanced
- Updated
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englishreference.com/q/proviso