Meaning & use
a provision
Last updated
Meanings
nouncountablelawformal
A statement in a law or contract that says what must or must not be done.
Grammar: Often followed by 'for' or 'in': a provision for something; a provision in the agreement.
Patterns
- a provision for something
- a provision in something
- make provision for something
The new law includes a provision that protects part-time workers.
There is a provision in the contract for early payment without a penalty.
The agreement has a provision allowing either side to cancel with one month's notice.
noununcountableformal
The act of giving someone what they need, such as food, money, or equipment.
Grammar: Used without 'a' or a plural: the provision of health care.
Patterns
- the provision of something
- provision for someone
The charity is responsible for the provision of meals to homeless people.
The government increased provision for mental health services.
Good provision for disabled students is a legal requirement.
nouncountableold-fashionedformal
A supply of food and other things that people need, especially for a journey.
Grammar: Usually plural: provisions. Takes a plural verb.
Patterns
- provisions for something
- lay in provisions
They packed their provisions for the long hike.
The ship carried enough provisions for three months.
We bought provisions for the camping trip at the local market.
Word forms
| plural | provisions |
|---|
Common combinations
- make provision for
- The will makes provision for the children's education.
- a provision in a contract
- Read every provision in the contract before you sign.
- the provision of services
- The provision of clean water is a priority after the earthquake.
- provisions for the journey
- They loaded the cart with provisions for the journey.
Synonyms and how they differ
- clause
- A clause is a specific section of a legal document; a provision is the rule or requirement stated in it. You can have a clause that contains several provisions.
- supply
- Supply is a general word for an amount of something available; provision (usually plural) is more formal and often refers to food and necessities for a trip.
- stipulation
- Stipulation is a formal demand or condition in an agreement; a provision is the part of the agreement that states it. They are often used interchangeably in legal contexts.
Word family
- provide verb
- To give someone something they need.
- provider noun
- A person or organization that supplies something.
- provisional adjective
- Arranged or agreed for the present but likely to change.
Commonly confused: a provision or providence?
a provision vs providence
Providence means the protective care of God or fate. Provision is a supply or a legal condition. They sound similar but have different meanings.
Practice
Which sentence uses 'provision' correctly?
Choose one answer.
In accounting, a provision is an amount set aside for a future cost. Option 1 is wrong because 'provision' is not a verb meaning 'to buy'. Option 2 is wrong because 'provision' is not a reporting verb. Option 3 is wrong because 'provision' is not a food item in this sense.
Make it your own
Write a sentence using “a provision”, then check it and compare it with the examples above.