You use provisional to describe something that has been arranged or appointed for the present, but may be changed in the future.
...the possibility of setting up a provisional coalition government.
If you have never held a driving licence before, you should apply for a provisionallicence.
It was announced that the times were provisional and subject to confirmation.
Synonyms: temporary, interim, transitional, stopgap More Synonyms of provisional
provisionallyadverb [ADVERB with verb]
The seven republics had provisionally agreed to the new relationship on November14th.
Synonyms: tentatively, conditionally, subject to confirmation More Synonyms of provisional
More Synonyms of provisional
provisional in British English
(prəˈvɪʒənəl) or less commonly provisionary (prəˈvɪʒənərɪ)
adjective
1.
subject to later alteration; temporary or conditional
a provisional decision
noun
2.
a postage stamp surcharged during an emergency to alter the stamp's denomination or significance until a new or regular issue is printed
Derived forms
provisionally (proˈvisionally)
adverb
Provisional in British English
(prəˈvɪʒənəl)
adjective
1.
of, designating, or relating to the unofficial factions of the IRA and Sinn Féin that became increasingly dominant following a split in 1969. The Provisional movement remained committed to a policy of terrorism until its ceasefires of the mid-1990s
noun
2. Also called: Provo
a member of the Provisional IRA or Sinn Féin
Compare Official
provisional in American English
(prəˈvɪʒənəl; proʊˈvɪʒənəl)
adjective
1.
having the nature of a temporary provision; arranged or established for the time being, pending permanent arrangement or establishment
: also proˈvisionˌary (proʊˈvɪʒəˌnɛri; prəˈvɪʒəˌnɛri)
noun
2. US
a postage stamp issued, as by a postmaster, for temporary use pending an official issue
SIMILAR WORDS: ˈtempoˌrary
Derived forms
provisionally (proˈvisionally)
adverb
Examples of 'provisional' in a sentence
provisional
A woman of her word, Florence took me to the local Post office in the morning and bought me a provisional driving licence.
Harris, Elizabeth TIME OF THE WOLF (1977)
I have here provisional plans for airports, plus full-scale ones for the future, all diligently prepared by Major-"
Davis, John Gordon SEIZE THE RECKLESS WIND (1977)
Back at the office I've got plans, elevations, provisional costings, everything.
St. James, Ian FINAL RESORT (1977)
Rosa and Marco," said Antonio, "I give my provisional consent to your marriage.
Diana Wynne Jones THE MAGICIANS OF CAPRONA (1977)
In other languages
provisional
British English: provisional /prəˈvɪʒənl/ ADJECTIVE
You use provisional to describe something that has been arranged or appointed for the present, but may be changed soon.
A provisional date for the meeting has been set for June the 15th.