What does conditionally mean?
"Conditionally" is an adverb meaning in a way that depends on certain conditions being satisfied — that is, not absolutely or unreservedly. When an offer is conditionally accepted, a licence is conditionally issued, or a prisoner is conditionally released, all parties understand that the arrangement holds only as long as specified requirements are met. The word derives from "condition," ultimately from Latin condicio, meaning an agreement or stipulation, and it inherits that legal flavour: it appears most often in formal settings such as contracts, admissions decisions, loan approvals, and judicial rulings. Its connotations are neutral rather than negative, though it implies caution or reserve — the speaker or institution is committing only partway. Its opposite, "unconditionally," signals total commitment. Knowing this distinction helps readers interpret precisely how firm any given promise or permission really is.
adverbIn a manner that is subject to one or more conditions or qualifications; not absolutely or unconditionally.
- Subject to the fulfilment of one or more stated conditions; granted, agreed, or done with qualifications attached.
"The offer was conditionally accepted, pending approval from the board."
"The applicant was conditionally admitted to the program, provided she completed two prerequisite courses."
"Parole was granted conditionally, on the understanding that he attend regular counselling sessions."
From parole hearings to mortgage approvals, 'conditionally' is the quiet word that keeps every big decision reversible.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Etymology of conditionally
"Conditionally" is formed from the noun "condition," which entered English from Old French condicion, borrowed from Latin condicio ("agreement, stipulation"), itself from condicere, "to agree upon." The adjective "conditional" arose from this noun with the Latinate suffix -al, and the adverb followed by adding -ly, becoming established by the late Middle English and early modern period. It shares its Latin root with cognates such as "condition" and "conditional," as well as related words like "recondite" through the same verb dicere, "to say."
Related word forms
How conditionally is actually used
The word carries a neutral to slightly cautious register and appears most often in formal contexts — legal documents, academic admissions, financial agreements, and official announcements. It frequently modifies verbs of agreement, acceptance, approval, and release, signalling that a decision can be revoked if stipulated terms are not met.
Easily confused with conditionally
Unconditionally means with no conditions attached, while conditionally means subject to conditions being met.
Conventionally refers to what is customary or traditional, whereas conditionally refers to something dependent on specified requirements.