1
Core quality
Temporary, conditional, or subject to later confirmation, revision, or replacement.
Example
The two sides reached a provisional agreement.
provisional
/prəˈvɪʒənəl/ · pruh-VIZH-uh-nuladjective
Temporary, conditional, or subject to later confirmation, revision, or replacement.
Use provisional to express this relationship precisely: temporary, conditional, or subject to later confirmation, revision, or replacement.
What provisional Really Means
The word becomes easier to use when its closely related senses are separated and compared.
2
Attributive or predicative use
Use this adjective before a suitable noun or after a linking verb such as be or seem.
Example
These figures are provisional and may be revised.
3
Analytical distinction
Choose it when this exact descriptive quality matters; a related word may overlap without conveying the same trait.
Example
A provisional schedule was issued pending final approval.
Use provisional Naturally
Notice how the surrounding noun or clause reveals the exact shade of meaning.
The two sides reached a provisional agreement.
These figures are provisional and may be revised.
A provisional schedule was issued pending final approval.
Precision Matters
Provisional overlaps with several common words, but each carries a different emphasis.
provisional
vs.Means temporary, conditional, or subject to later confirmation, revision, or replacement.
contingent on
Means dependent on a particular condition, event, or requirement being satisfied.
provisional
vs.Means temporary, conditional, or subject to later confirmation, revision, or replacement.
conclusive
Means providing enough evidence for a firm final conclusion, decision, or result.
provisional
vs.Means temporary, conditional, or subject to later confirmation, revision, or replacement.
inevitable
Means certain to happen or impossible to avoid, prevent, or escape.
provisional
vs.Means temporary, conditional, or subject to later confirmation, revision, or replacement.
tentative
Means provisional, hesitant, or not yet certain, fixed, or fully developed.
Test provisional in Context
The totals are temporary and subject to revision when more information arrives.
1
Because several sites had not submitted data, the agency labelled its totals ___.