provision

The word “provision” means a supply of something needed for the future, especially food. In plain terms, supplies set aside for future use, a clause in a legal document, or (in tech/finance) preparing accounts, systems, or accounts for use.

“Provision” is pronounced pruh-VIHZH-uhn (/pɹəˈvɪʒ.ən/ in IPA).

Here is “provision” used in a sentence: “The ship was stocked with enough provisions for a six-month voyage.”

Words with a similar meaning to “provision” include supply and victual.

Depending on how it is used, “provision” can be a noun and a verb.

The word “provision” comes from Latin. From Old French provision, from Latin provisio, "foresight, preparation" — from providere, "to see ahead, provide for.".

“Provision” is a fairly common word in modern English, usually learned at around the B2 level.

“Provision” has 5 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: a supply of something needed for the future, especially food.

A provision is a specific condition or requirement within a law, contract, or agreement, focusing on what the parties must do. A clause is a distinct section of the document that contains such a provision, so a clause can hold one or more provisions.

In the singular, a provision most often means a specific condition within a law, contract, or agreement. In the plural, provisions usually means supplies of things needed for the future, especially food, so the plural often shifts the meaning.

Both appear in legal and contractual language, but a provision is any specific clause or requirement stated in the agreement. A condition is a particular type of provision that something else depends on, meaning a stated outcome only applies if the condition is met.