Definition

1. Noun:

   • A supply of necessary items, especially food or other essentials: A stock or store of something that has been gathered for future use.
   • The action of providing or supplying something: The act of making something available for use.
   • A condition or requirement in a legal document or agreement: A specific clause or stipulation within a contract, law, or formal agreement.
   • Preparatory action or planning for a future event: The act of making advance arrangements or taking measures to deal with a possible future situation.

2. Verb:

   • To supply with food, drink, or other necessary supplies: To provide a person or group with essential provisions, especially for a journey or expedition.

Examples of Usage

• Noun:

  • The ship carried a week's provision of fresh water. (The ship had a one-week supply of fresh water.)
  • The provision of clean water is a basic human right. (The act of supplying clean water is a basic human right.)
  • The contract includes a provision for early termination. (The contract contains a clause allowing for early termination.)
  • They made careful provision for their retirement. (They engaged in careful planning for their retirement.)

• Verb:

  • The army was provisioned for a long campaign. (The army was supplied with necessary goods for a long campaign.)

Advanced Usage

• "To make provision for": To plan or prepare for a future need or possibility.
  • It's wise to make financial provision for your children's education.
• "Contingency provision": A specific arrangement or financial reserve set aside to cover unexpected future events.
  • The budget includes a contingency provision for unforeseen repairs.

Variants and Related Words

• Provisional (adj): Arranged or existing for the present, possibly to be changed later; temporary.
  • A provisional government was established.
• Provider (n): A person or organization that supplies something.
  • She is the main provider for her family.

Synonyms

• Noun (Supply): Stock, store, reserve, cache.
• Noun (Act of providing): Supply, furnishing, allocation.
• Noun (Stipulation): Clause, term, condition, requirement.
• Verb: Supply, equip, furnish, stock.

Related Phrasal Verbs

(Note: "Provision" is not commonly used in phrasal verb constructions. Its verbal use is typically transitive, as in "to provision someone/something.")

Related Idioms

• "Make no provision for": To fail to plan or prepare for something.
  • He made no provision for his old age and now faces hardship.

Noun

1. a store or supply of something (especially of food or clothing or arms)
2. the cognitive process of thinking about what you will do in the event of something happening
   • his planning for retirement was hindered by several uncertainties
3. the activity of supplying or providing something
4. a stipulated condition
   • he accepted subject to one provision

Verb

1. supply with provisions