Provisional
/prəˈvɪʒ.ən.əl/noun
Arranged or provided for the present only; temporary.
Did you know?The word ultimately comes from Latin providere, meaning “to see ahead” or “foresee,” so a provisional arrangement is, etymologically, something set up because someone already looked into the future.
Etymological Timeline
Latin
Latin
providere
“to foresee, look ahead, make preparations”
Late Latin
Latin
provisionalis
“pertaining to foresight or making provision”
Old French
Old French
provisionnel
“relating to provision or supply; temporary”
14th–15th Century
English
provisional
“provided for the time being; temporary”
Modern English
English
provisional
“arranged for the present only; temporary”
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