Definition

1. Adjective:
   • Subject to a proviso; conditional: Describes something that is valid or effective only if a specific condition is met.
   • Provisional; temporary: Describes something arranged or accepted for the present time, with the expectation of being changed or made permanent later.

Usage

• As an adjective modifying a noun: The word "provisory" directly describes a noun as being conditional or temporary.
  • The agreement included a provisory clause about funding.
  • They established a provisory government until elections could be held.

Examples

• Conditional meaning:
  • The offer was provisory upon the successful completion of a background check.
  • His approval of the plan was provisory; he wanted to see the final budget first.
• Temporary meaning:
  • The council passed a provisory measure to address the immediate crisis.
  • She accepted the provisory appointment as department head.

Advanced Usage

• In legal or formal contexts: "Provisory" is often used in legal, diplomatic, or official documents to specify conditions or temporary status.
  • The treaty was signed with provisory acceptance of the disputed terms.
• To indicate a preliminary arrangement: It can describe something set up as an interim solution.
  • The committee made a provisory decision, pending further review.

Variants and Related Words

• Proviso (n): A condition or stipulation attached to an agreement.
  • He agreed, with the proviso that he could review the data.
• Provisional (adj): Arranged for the present, possibly to be changed later. (Note: "Provisional" is a much more common synonym for the temporary sense of "provisory").
  • A provisional driving license.

Synonyms

• Conditional: Subject to one or more conditions.
• Tentative: Not certain or fixed; provisional.
• Interim: Intended to last for only a short time until something more permanent is established.

Antonyms

• Unconditional: Not subject to any conditions.
• Absolute: Not qualified or diminished in any way; total.
• Permanent: Lasting or intended to last indefinitely without change.

Notes on Usage

• Formality: "Provisory" is a formal word. In everyday language, "conditional" or "provisional" are more frequently used.
• Rarity: "Provisory" is less common than its synonyms "conditional" and especially "provisional." Its use is typically confined to specific formal or legalistic registers.

Adjective

1. subject to a proviso
   • a provisory clause