probation

/probation/

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Definition of "Probation"

Probation is a noun that refers to a special arrangement for individuals who have been found guilty of a crime. Instead of going to jail, they are allowed to stay in the community under certain conditions set by the court. It can also refer to a trial period in jobs or school where a person's skills and behavior are evaluated to see if they are a good fit.

Usage Instructions

Probation can be used in legal contexts or in employment settings. When talking about the legal sense, you might say someone is on probation after being convicted of a crime. In a job context, you might say someone is on a probationary period to see if they can meet the job expectations.

Examples

1. Legal Context: "After his conviction, he was placed on probation for two years, meaning he didn’t have to go to jail but had to follow certain rules."

2. Employment Context: "She is currently on probation at her new job, which means her performance will be reviewed after three months."

Advanced Usage

In legal terms, probation may involve conditions such as regular check-ins with a probation officer, community service, or completing a rehabilitation program. In a workplace setting, the probationary period might include performance reviews, training assessments, or the possibility of termination if the employee does not meet expectations.

Word Variants

• Probationary (adjective): This describes something related to probation. For example, "He is in a probationary period at his job."
• Probationer (noun): This refers to a person who is on probation, whether legally or in a job setting. For example, "The probationer must follow all the rules set by the court."

Different Meanings

1. Legal: A way of dealing with convicted offenders that allows them to avoid prison under certain conditions.
2. Employment/School: A trial period during which a person’s skills and character are assessed to determine suitability for a position or role.

Synonyms

• For the legal sense: Supervised release, conditional release
• For the employment sense: Trial period, evaluation period

Idioms and Phrasal Verbs

While "probation" itself doesn’t have common idioms or phrasal verbs, you might encounter phrases like:

Summary

In summary, "probation" is an important term both in law and in the workplace, referring to a period of testing and supervision.

Academic

Noun

1. (law) a way of dealing with offenders without imprisoning them; a defendant found guilty of a crime is released by the court without imprisonment subject to conditions imposed by the court
   • probation is part of the sentencing process
2. a trial period during which an offender has time to redeem himself or herself
3. a trial period during which your character and abilities are tested to see whether you are suitable for work or for membership