provision
/prəˈvɪʒn/ (bre, ipa) · /prəˈvɪʒn/ (ame, ipa) · /prə-ˈvi-zhən/ (ame, mw) · /prəˈvɪʒ.ən/ (bre, ipa) · /prəˈvɪʒ.ən/ (ame, ipa)
provision — noun
- provisionsingular
- provisionsplural
1. when someone makes something that others need available to them — for example, s
when someone makes something that others need available to them — for example, supplying clean water to a village, or equipment to workers.
The NGO is responsible for the provision of clean water to remote villages in the highlands.
provision of [something] to [recipient]
A clause in the contract covers the provision of safety equipment by the employer.
Parents are often involved in the provision of care for their elderly relatives at home.
The new housing policy ensures the provision of affordable apartments for low-income families.
- supply
more concrete; can refer to both the act and the quantity provided
- providing
less formal, used in everyday speech rather than institutional writing
- furnishing
more formal, typically used for equipping a space with furniture or fixtures
- withholding
deliberately keeping something from being available
文法句型
provision of [something] to [someone]
用法筆記
Often followed by 'of' plus a noun phrase describing what is supplied. Uncountable in this sense — do not use 'a provision' or 'provisions' when referring to the act of supplying.
常見錯誤
2. supplies of food, drink, and other basic items needed to survive, especially whe
supplies of food, drink, and other basic items needed to survive, especially when stored for a journey or a period away from shops.
The hikers packed enough provisions for the five-day trek through the Rocky Mountains.
plural: provisions for [duration / purpose]
Before the storm arrived, the Kim family stocked up on provisions like canned food and bottled water.
collocation: stock up on provisions
Aid workers from the Red Cross distributed emergency provisions to families at the border camp.
The ship carried enough provisions for its crew to survive six months at sea without stopping at any port.
文法句型
provisions for [purpose / duration]
用法筆記
Almost always used in the plural (provisions). When 'provision' appears in the singular, it generally refers to a different meaning (see senses 1, 3, 4, and 5).
常見錯誤
3. a specific condition or requirement written into a legal document, contract, or
a specific condition or requirement written into a legal document, contract, or law that states what must or must not happen.
The contract includes a provision that allows either party to cancel within thirty days.
provision + that-clause stating a condition
Under the provisions of the new immigration law, visa applicants must show proof of employment.
prepositional: under the provisions of [law]
Romi's lawyer advised adding a provision to protect her rights to the original artwork.
A provision in the lease requires tenants to obtain written permission before painting any walls.
- clause
more specific — a clause is a distinct section within a contract; a provision may be part of a clause
- stipulation
more formal, focusing on the requirement aspect
- condition
broader; a condition can be agreed verbally, while a provision is written
文法句型
provision in [document]
under the provisions of [law]
provision that + clause
用法筆記
Subject is usually a legal document (contract, law, treaty, lease). Frequently paired with verbs such as 'include', 'contain', 'add', or 'violate'.
常見錯誤
4. money that a business keeps in its financial records to pay for a future cost or
money that a business keeps in its financial records to pay for a future cost or loss that is likely but not yet certain.
The company set aside a provision of two million dollars to cover potential legal costs.
provision of [amount] to cover [liability]
The bank increased its provisions for bad loans after the economic downturn affected many borrowers.
collocation: provisions for bad loans
Accountants review the provisions for doubtful debts at the end of each financial quarter.
The auditor questioned whether the firm's tax provisions were sufficient under the new regulations.
- reserve
broader — reserves include retained earnings, while provisions are for specific expected losses
- allowance
used in phrases like 'allowance for doubtful accounts', more common in US accounting
- accrual
refers to expenses already incurred but not yet paid, slightly different from a provision for future losses
文法句型
provision for [liability / expense]
set aside a provision
用法筆記
Domain-specific to accounting and corporate finance. Usually appears in plural form (provisions) when referring to ongoing reserves. This sense is distinct from 'provision' in sense 5 (preparation) because it involves recording a specific figure in financial statements.
常見錯誤
5. steps taken ahead of time to be ready for a possible need later, especially when
steps taken ahead of time to be ready for a possible need later, especially when money or caring for someone is involved.
The couple made provision for their children's education by starting a college savings fund early.
phrase: make provision for [future need]
Feng's will made provision for his elderly parents to receive monthly financial support.
Every small business should make provision for unexpected emergencies in its annual budget.
The retirement plan includes a provision for healthcare costs to be covered after age sixty-five.
- preparation
broader; preparation can refer to any readiness activity, while 'provision' is more about ensuring resources
- arrangement
more neutral; 'arrangements' can be for definite plans, whereas 'provision' implies dealing with uncertainty
- planning ahead
phrasal and less formal, emphasising the forward-looking aspect
- neglect
failing to prepare for future needs
文法句型
make provision for [future need]
用法筆記
Most commonly appears in the fixed expression 'make provision for'. Unlike sense 1 (SUPPLYING), this sense is about advance planning rather than the act of providing something directly.
常見錯誤
provision — verb
- provisionpresent simple I / you / we / they
- provisions3rd person singular
- provisioning-ing form
- provisionedpast simple
1. to supply a person, group, or place with food, equipment, and other necessary it
to supply a person, group, or place with food, equipment, and other necessary items, especially for a specific journey or period away from regular supply sources.
The relief agency provisioned the camp with enough food for two thousand refugees.
provision [place] with [supplies]
The ship was provisioned for a six-month voyage across the Pacific Ocean.
passive: be provisioned for [trip / duration]
Before the expedition, Jisoo provisioned the base camp with medical supplies and radio equipment.
Each lifeboat on the cruise ship is provisioned with drinking water, blankets, and first-aid supplies.
文法句型
provision [place / group] with [supplies]
provision [place / group] for [duration / purpose]
用法筆記
Often used in the passive voice. The object is typically a place (camp, ship), vehicle (lifeboat), or group (troops, expedition). More formal than 'supply' — less common in everyday conversation.