provisional
Arranged or existing for the present but likely to be changed; temporary.
Examples
In a meeting
“This is a provisional budget — we'll finalize it after the board review.”
Over coffee
“We made a provisional plan to meet at noon, pending everyone's schedules.”
Why this word
temporary
Provisional emphasizes something arranged for the present but subject to change or confirmation, while temporary simply means not permanent
interim
Provisional suggests subject to approval or finalization, while interim refers to a time gap between events
tentative
Provisional implies a working arrangement pending finalization, while tentative suggests hesitation or uncertainty
Usage tip
Stronger than 'tentative' — provisional implies something is functional and in use, just not finalized yet.
Etymology
Latin provisio — pro (ahead) + videre (to see), literally 'foresight, preparation'
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Related words
subsequent
Coming after something in time or order.
perpetual
Never ending or changing; occurring continuously.
defer
To postpone something to a later time, or to yield to someone else's judgment.
anticipate
To expect or predict something and prepare for it accordingly.
preempt
Take action to prevent something before it happens
proactive
Acting in advance to deal with expected situations