What does provisional mean?
Provisional describes an arrangement, appointment, decision, or status that is intended to last only for a limited time or until something more permanent is decided. A provisional government may govern while elections or constitutional arrangements are being prepared, while a provisional appointment gives someone a position for the time being without necessarily confirming a longer-term role. The word can also mean not yet final: provisional findings may be revised as more evidence becomes available. It is especially common in legal, governmental, institutional, and administrative contexts, where it acknowledges that a decision may need confirmation or replacement. The term is distinct from “preliminary,” which chiefly concerns an earlier stage of a process, and from “temporary,” which similarly emphasizes limited duration. Related forms include the adverb “provisionally,” meaning for the time being, and the noun “provisionality,” meaning the state of being temporary or not final.
Existing only for the time being or subject to later confirmation, change, or replacement.
"The committee approved provisional funding for the project."
Widely used in governmental, legal, financial, and administrative contexts.
A person who holds an office or position temporarily.
"The club appointed a provisional to manage the team until a permanent coach was selected."
Relatively uncommon and more often found in institutional or administrative contexts than in everyday speech.
The plural is used for people appointed temporarily to offices or positions.
"The two provisionals oversaw operations until the permanent appointments were confirmed."
Provisional comes from the same root as provide: a provisional arrangement provides for the present without promising to provide for the future.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does provisional come from?
The word comes through Medieval Latin from Latin provisiō, a noun meaning “provision” or “something provided for,” ultimately derived from providere, “to provide for or take care of.” In its earliest English uses, “provisional” referred to something provided for a particular purpose or occasion; by the early 19th century, it had developed its modern sense of something made or appointed for the time being. Its relatives include “provide,” “provision,” “providence,” and “prudent.”
Related word forms
How provisional is actually used
Common in formal and administrative contexts. It often implies that a later decision, appointment, or arrangement is expected, but it can also indicate that the present arrangement is deliberately tentative.
Easily confused with provisional
Preliminary refers to something that comes before the main activity or decision, whereas provisional describes something that is intended to remain in effect only temporarily.