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provisional

pro-bee-see-oh-NAHL/pɾoβisjoˈnal/

“provisional” means “provisional” in Spanish (not final; subject to change).

provisional, temporary

Also: interim, stopgap
Adjectivem or fB1
A simple bridge made of two wooden planks crossing a small blue stream in a green meadow.

📝 In Action

Tengo un permiso de conducir provisional.

A2

I have a provisional (temporary) driver's license.

Esta es una solución provisional mientras buscamos algo mejor.

B1

This is a temporary solution while we look for something better.

El comité nombró un director provisional para el resto del año.

B2

The committee appointed an interim director for the rest of the year.

Word Connections

Synonyms

  • temporal (temporary)
  • interino (interim/acting)

Antonyms

Common Collocations

  • solución provisional – temporary solution
  • gobierno provisional – interim government
  • lista provisional – preliminary/provisional list

Translate to Spanish

Words that translate to "provisional" in Spanish:

interim→provisional→stopgap→temporary→

✏️ Quick Practice

Quick Quiz: provisional

Question 1 of 3

Which of these is a synonym for 'provisional'?

📚 More Resources

👥 Word Family▼
provisoriamente(provisionally) — Adverb
provisión(provision/supply) — Noun
provisorio(temporary) — Adjective
🎵 Rhymes▼
📚 Etymology▼

From the Latin 'provisio', which relates to seeing ahead or making preparations (providing) for a future need.

First recorded: 15th century

Cognates (Related words)

English: provisionalFrench: provisionnelItalian: provvisionale

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Frequently Asked Questions

Is 'provisional' more formal than 'temporal'?

Yes, 'provisional' is often used in legal, government, or business contexts, whereas 'temporal' is used for anything that is simply not permanent (like weather or a short-term job).

Does it have a plural form?

Yes! Just add 'es' at the end. For example: 'Los resultados provisionales' (The provisional results).

Can I use it to describe people?

Usually, you describe the 'role' or 'position' (un director provisional) rather than the person's character. To describe a person filling a spot temporarily, 'interino' is also common.