What is provisional? Pronunciation and usage in English

provisional means . Learn how to pronounce and use provisional through vivid examples and easy-to-understand exercises.

Definition & pronunciation of provisional

provisionaladjective

/prəˈvɪʒənl//prəˈvɪʒənl/

Okay, let's break down how to pronounce "provisional." It's a tricky one! Here's a breakdown and a few ways to approach it:

1. The Core Sounds:

  • pro-: Sounds like "pro" as in "problem"
  • vi-: Sounds like "vee" as in "vehicle"
  • so-: Sounds like "so" as in "soap"
  • na-: Sounds like "nah" as in "nap"
  • -l: A short "l" sound, as in "lamp"

2. Putting it Together - The Most Common Pronunciation:

The most widely accepted and generally understood pronunciation is:

pro-vee-zhaw-nal

Let's break that down further:

  • pro-vee: (pro-vee) – Stress on the "vee"
  • zhaw: (zhaw) – This is the tricky part! This sound is a voiced postalveolar fricative. It’s like the "s" in "measure" or the "g" in "rouge." It's a slightly buzzing sound in the back of your throat. Many beginners just approximate and say something like "zhaw" and it’s usually understood.
  • nal: (nal) – A short "n" sound, as in "nap."

3. Alternative/Slightly More Formal Pronunciation:

Some people pronounce it as:

pro-vee-zee-oh-nal

  • zee: (zee) – Similar to the "zhaw," but sometimes it’s closer to a "z" sound.
  • oh: (oh) - Like the “o” in “go”
  • nal: (nal) – As above

4. Tips & Resources:

  • Listen to Native Speakers: This is the best way to learn. Here are some resources:

  • Focus on the "zhaw" sound: Seriously, this is the key. Play around with it – try saying "measure" and "rouge" to get a feel for it.

  • Don't Worry Too Much: Even if you don't nail the "zhaw" perfectly, most people will still understand you. Don't let it paralyze you!

To help me give you even more tailored advice, could you tell me:

  • Are you trying to pronounce it for a specific context (e.g., work, school, a particular dialect)?

Usage and examples with the word provisional in English

Let's break down how to use the word "provisional" effectively in English. It's a versatile word with a specific meaning, and understanding its nuances is key.

1. Core Meaning:

At its heart, "provisional" means temporary, subject to change, or tentative. It suggests something isn't yet final or confirmed. Think of it as "pending" or "temporary."

2. Common Usages & Examples:

  • Documents and Licenses: This is probably the most common use.

    • "He received a provisional driver's license." (He's allowed to drive, but it's not permanent until he passes the full test.)
    • "She has a provisional passport – it needs to be replaced with a full passport."
    • "The government issued a provisional budget based on current estimates."

  • Appointments & Positions:

    • "He was offered a provisional appointment as a consultant." (He’s been offered the job, but it's pending final approval and other factors.)
    • “I’ve received a provisional date for the meeting – we’ll confirm it next week.”

  • Research & Findings:

    • "The report presented provisional figures for the year." (These are preliminary figures that could change as more data is collected.)
    • “The scientists released provisional results, indicating a possible breakthrough.” (Preliminary results – more study is needed.)

  • Government & Political Context (Often used in countries like the UK): This is where "provisional" has a distinct legal meaning, indicating something is in effect until a more permanent law or ruling is made.

    • “The provisional government was established after the revolution.” (A temporary government formed until a permanent one can be set up.)
    • “The provisional order was issued pending a full hearing.” (A temporary court order.)

  • General Use (Less common, but possible):

    • “We’re operating on a provisional basis until we get the new system installed.” (We’re working temporarily with the current system.)

3. Key Distinctions & Related Words:

  • Temporary vs. Provisional: “Temporary” often implies a fixed duration, but "provisional" emphasizes that it could be changed or cancelled.
  • Tentative: Similar to provisional, suggesting something isn't firm.
  • Subject to Change: This phrase often conveys the same meaning as "provisional."
  • Preliminary: Usually used for data, reports, or findings - something that hasn’t been finalized.

4. Phrases and Sentence Structures:

  • “He holds a provisional status…”
  • “The agreement is currently provisional.”
  • “It’s a provisional plan, so subject to revision.”
  • “We’re operating under a provisional arrangement.”

5. Tone & Formality:

“Provisional” is a relatively formal word. It's generally appropriate for professional, legal, or academic contexts. In casual conversation, you’d likely use words like “temporary,” “pending,” or “for now.”

Resources for Further Learning:

To help me give you even more targeted advice, could you tell me:

  • In what context are you planning to use “provisional”? (e.g., writing an essay, describing a job offer, talking about a travel plan?)

Synonyms for the word provisional

Practice with vocabulary provisional

Exercise 1: Fill in the blanks

  1. The committee issued a _______ report pending further data collection and analysis.
  2. Due to unexpected delays, the project deadline has been declared _______, subject to review next month.
  3. Applicants will receive a _______ acceptance letter, with final enrollment contingent upon passing the entrance exam.
  4. The team decided to conduct a _______ analysis before presenting their findings to the board.

Exercise 2: Choose the correct answer (there may be multiple correct answers per question)

  1. The approval for the new building design is currently _______, awaiting final environmental impact assessments. a) final b) definitive c) provisional d) permanent

  2. Before the official launch, the software underwent a _______ testing phase to identify any major bugs. a) conclusive b) extensive c) ultimate d) preliminary

  3. Which of the following words can describe an arrangement that is not yet fixed or confirmed? (Select all that apply) a) tentative b) provisional c) absolute d) temporary

  4. The company made a _______ offer of employment, contingent on the candidate passing a background check. a) unwavering b) absolute c) conditional d) resolute

  5. The scientists published their _______ findings in a pre-print server, acknowledging that peer review might lead to revisions. a) established b) provisional c) conclusive d) definitive

Exercise 3: Rewrite the sentences

  1. The agreement is only for a short period and will be reviewed next quarter. (Rewrite using "provisional" or a related word form)
  2. They have granted us permission to use the facilities until a permanent solution is found. (Rewrite using "provisional" or a related word form)
  3. The initial data suggested a strong correlation, but more research is needed to confirm it. (Rewrite using a suitable replacement word, but do not use "provisional")

Answer:

Exercise 1: Fill in the blanks

  1. provisional
  2. tentative
  3. provisional
  4. preliminary

Exercise 2: Choose the correct answer

  1. c) provisional
  2. d) preliminary
  3. a) tentative, b) provisional, d) temporary
  4. c) conditional
  5. b) provisional

Exercise 3: Rewrite the sentences

  1. The agreement is provisional and will be reviewed next quarter.
  2. They have granted us provisional permission to use the facilities until a permanent solution is found.
  3. The preliminary data suggested a strong correlation, but more research is needed to confirm it.

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