Provided: Definition, Usage & Common Mistakes

Meaning 1：on condition that (provided)

provided 🔊

/prəˈvaɪdɪd/

conj.

A word used to introduce a condition. It means that something will happen or be true only if another thing is done or is true.

Illustration of provided meaning: a conditional exchange of money for a book at a market stall.

on condition that 🔊

➕

/ɒn kənˈdɪʃən ðæt/

conj.

A conjunction used to introduce a stipulation or requirement that must be satisfied for something else to happen or be true.

📁 Category：Laws & Regulations 🔖 Level：Intermediate

📘 Details & Usage

📖 Root Explanation

From Latin 'providere' (pro- forward + videre to see), meaning to foresee or prepare.

💡 Mnemonic

Think 'pro-vide-d': you provide something only if a condition is met.

📖 Example

You can keep using your phone provided you pay the bill on time. 🔊 You may continue using your phone only if you pay the bill promptly.

🔗 Collocations

provided that – used to introduce a conditional clause

🔄 Synonyms

if (conj.) – introduces a conditional statement

on condition that (phrase) – subject to a specified requirement

assuming (conj.) – supposing that something is true

🚫 Antonyms

unless (conj.) – except on the condition that

🌱 Derivatives

provide (v.) – to make available or supply

provision (n.) – the act of providing or a stipulation

📖 Cultural Story

Derived from Latin 'providere', meaning 'to foresee'. As a conjunction, 'provided' evolved in legal and formal English to introduce conditional clauses, emphasizing stipulated requirements in contracts or agreements.