Reading Theme:
Condition: Definition, Usage & Key Examples (3 meaning)
Meaning 1：state or quality (condition)
condition
/kənˈdɪʃ(ə)n/
n.
How something is, especially if it is good, bad, old, or new.
state or quality
➕
/steɪt ɔːr ˈkwɒləti/
n.
The particular state that something is in, often describing its level of preservation or functionality.
📘 Details & Usage
📖 Root Explanation
From Latin 'condicio' (agreement), linked to 'dicere' (to speak). 'Things said together' leading to terms or state.
💡 Mnemonic
Think of 'con' (with) + 'edition' (version). A condition is 'the version something is in with its environment.'
📖 Example
Regular maintenance helps keep your car in good condition.
Regular maintenance helps keep your car in good condition.
🔗 Collocations
in good/poor condition – describing an object's state as excellent or bad
working condition – functional and ready for use
physical condition – the state of a person's body or an object's material form
🔄 Synonyms
🚫 Antonyms
disrepair (n.) – a state of being broken down or in poor condition due to neglect
🌱 Derivatives
conditional (adj.) – subject to one or more conditions or requirements being met
conditioner (n.) – a substance applied to improve the condition of something, like hair or fabric
conditioning (n.) – the process of training or adapting to become accustomed to a condition
📖 Cultural Story
Originates from Latin 'condicio' meaning 'agreement' or 'stipulation', from 'con-' (together) + 'dicere' (to speak). Historically, a 'condition' was a term mutually agreed upon, evolving to its modern meanings of state or prerequisite, especially in legal contracts.
Meaning 2：prerequisite or stipulation (condition)
condition
/kənˈdɪʃ(ə)n/
n.
Something that must happen or be agreed before something else can happen, like a rule of the game.
prerequisite or stipulation
➕
/ˌpriːˈrekwəzɪt ɔːr ˌstɪpjʊˈleɪʃ(ə)n/
n.
A requirement or term that must be met for something else to happen or be valid.
📘 Details & Usage
📖 Example
The landlord offered me the apartment on condition that I don't have any pets.
The landlord offered me the apartment on condition that I don't have any pets.
🔗 Collocations
on condition that – only if; provided that a specific requirement is fulfilled
terms and conditions – the rules and requirements that form part of an agreement or contract
meet the conditions – to satisfy or fulfill the specified requirements
🔄 Synonyms
requirement (n.) – something that is compulsory; a necessary condition
stipulation (n.) – a condition or requirement that is specified as part of an agreement
🚫 Antonyms
consequence (n.) – a result or effect of an action or condition, not a prerequisite
🌱 Derivatives
precondition (n.) – a condition that must be fulfilled before other things can happen
Meaning 3：circumstances or environment (condition)
condition
/kənˈdɪʃ(ə)n/
n.
The physical situation around you that affects how things happen, like weather or lighting.
circumstances or environment
➕
/ˈsɜːkəmstənsɪz ɔːr ɪnˈvaɪrənmənt/
n.
The external factors or prevailing situation affecting an event or activity.
📘 Details & Usage
📖 Example
The outdoor match was postponed due to the dangerous weather conditions.
The outdoor match was postponed due to the dangerous weather conditions.
🔗 Collocations
weather conditions – the state of the atmosphere at a place and time, e.g., sunny, rainy
living conditions – the circumstances affecting the quality of life in a particular place
road conditions – the state of the roads, affecting driving safety and ease
🔄 Synonyms
circumstances (n.) – the factors or situation affecting an event or decision
situation (n.) – a set of circumstances in which one finds oneself; state of affairs
🚫 Antonyms
ideal (n.) – a perfect standard or model, often contrasted with less-than-perfect real-world conditions
Wordbook
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