proviso

noun

pro·​vi·​so prə-ˈvī-(ˌ)zō 

plural provisos also provisoes

1

: an article or clause (as in a contract) that introduces a condition

2

: a conditional stipulation

Synonyms

• condition
• contingency
• if
• provision
• qualification
• reservation
• stipulation

Examples of proviso in a Sentence

He accepted the job with one proviso: he would work alone.

released the drunken revelers with the proviso that they behave for the remainder of the Mardi Gras

Recent Examples on the Web

Starring Jordana Brewster and Scott Speedman as a couple gifted luxe new digs with the aforementioned proviso, Vaughn Stein’s thriller is too simplistic and implausible to provide any chills. —Dennis Harvey, Variety, 29 Oct. 2024

Alex and the band capitulated, with the proviso that the video would be free of gimmickry. —Marc Weingarten, Los Angeles Times, 21 Oct. 2024

Analysts believe the presidential election could put Venezuela on a path to substantial change — on the proviso that Maduro is open to relinquishing power, if he is defeated at the ballot box. —Sam Meredith, CNBC, 26 July 2024

For example, Gul approved the Internet access bill but included the proviso that the parts of the legislation that most egregiously violated international norms be revised. —Steven A. Cook, Foreign Affairs, 27 Mar. 2014

Word History

Etymology

Middle English, from Medieval Latin proviso quod provided that

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Kids Definition

proviso

noun

pro·​vi·​so prə-ˈvī-zō 

plural provisos or provisoes

1

: a sentence or clause in a legal document in which a condition is stated

2

: a limiting statement

released them with the proviso that they behave

Legal Definition

proviso

noun

pro·​vi·​so prə-ˈvī-zō 

plural provisos or provisoes

1

: an article or clause (as in a statute or contract) that introduces a condition

2

: a conditional stipulation

Etymology

Medieval Latin proviso quod provided that