proviso

noun

pro·​vi·​so prə-ˈvī-(ˌ)zō How to pronounce proviso (audio)
plural provisos also provisoes
1
: an article or clause (as in a contract) that introduces a condition
2
: a conditional 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 But there must be one proviso: that Hamas is not in a position to threaten Israel ever again. Dennis Ross, Foreign Affairs, 11 Oct. 2023 Eventually, Biden approved the delivery, with the proviso that the HIMARS not be used to hit targets inside Russia. Susan B. Glasser, The New Yorker, 9 Oct. 2023 This proviso is a bit problematic, since the Republican front-runner, Donald Trump, has been indicted twice and is facing criminal trials. James Pindell, BostonGlobe.com, 13 July 2023 My sister was given our mother's jewelry with the proviso that pieces be given to the granddaughters. Sahaj Kaur Kohli, Washington Post, 20 July 2023 Foreign investors notwithstanding, the whole deal was carried out with the proviso, West says, that if Greene could somehow magically assemble the capital, he would be permitted to buy back the lofts from Atelier. Michael Granberry, Dallas News, 23 June 2023 Mayor Steve Vaus moved that an appointment be made with the proviso that the applicants sign a pledge not to run in the next election. Laura Groch, San Diego Union-Tribune, 11 June 2023 After World War I, the Allies granted Norway sovereignty over the archipelago, with a proviso: that all nationals named in the Svalbard Treaty should have equal right to live and work there. Taymour Soomro Scott Conarroe, New York Times, 10 May 2023 But guidelines about alcohol consumption issued by numerous health organizations have been amended to include the proviso that people should not drink alcohol for the express purpose of improving their health. Roni Caryn Rabin, BostonGlobe.com, 4 Apr. 2023 See More

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'proviso.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

Etymology

Middle English, from Medieval Latin proviso quod provided that

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of proviso was in the 15th century

Dictionary Entries Near proviso

Cite this Entry

“Proviso.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/proviso. Accessed 6 Dec. 2023.

Kids Definition

proviso

noun
pro·​vi·​so prə-ˈvī-zō How to pronounce proviso (audio)
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 How to pronounce proviso (audio)
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

More from Merriam-Webster on proviso

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