adj

provisional

pruh-VIH-zhuh-nuhl

adj

Temporary and meant to be replaced later by something permanent.

"A provisional government was set up until elections could be held."

"She received a provisional driving licence while waiting for her full test result."

How to Use Provisional

Learner’s notes

In plain EnglishSomething in place for now, not meant to last — a stopgap arrangement.

Common pairings

provisional government provisional licence provisional agreement

provisionals plural, Provisionals plural

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Can you complete this real example?

A _____ government was set up until elections could be held.

From provision plus the adjective ending -al, echoing the older French provisionnel and Latin provisionalis.

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