Provisionary

Part of speech: adjective

Definitions

1. Referring to a temporary foundation established to supply necessary resources or aid in a transitional period
2. Referring to a temporary arrangement made to provide essential support or resources during a provisional phase
3. Pertaining to a short-term setup designed to ensure adequate supplies or assistance while changes occur

Etymology: "Provisionary" is a plain formation: the noun "provision" with the adjective-forming suffix "-ary" attached. "Provision" comes from Latin "provisio," a seeing-ahead or preparing, built from "providere," to foresee or make arrangements for. Its sense of supplies stockpiled in advance grew naturally from that idea of preparing beforehand. The suffix "-ary," from Latin "-arius," turns a noun into an adjective meaning "relating to" or "connected with," so "provisionary" means relating to provision. Its meaning sits close to "provisional," which also describes something temporary and put in place until something more permanent arrives.

Synonyms: temporary, provisional, conditional, interim, transitory

Antonyms: permanent, final, absolute, unconditional, lasting