Cool MateProvision vs Stipulation
When to use each in English, with meaning, register, and examples.
Provision
Top 3,000 (common)C1noun
Stipulation
FormalBeyond 10,000 (less common)
Most formal: StipulationMost common: Provision
| Provision | Stipulation | |
|---|---|---|
| Pronunciation | 🇬🇧 /["/prəˈvɪʒn/"]/🇺🇸 /["/prəˈvɪʒn/"]/ | 🇬🇧 //ˌstɪp.jʊˈleɪ.ʃən//🇺🇸 //ˌstɪp.jəˈleɪ.ʃən// |
| Meaning | A supply or arrangement for future needs. | A condition or requirement in an agreement. |
| Example | The provision of clean water is essential for the health of the community. | The contract included a stipulation that all payments be made in advance. |
| Register | Neutral | Formal |
| How common | Top 3,000 (common) | Beyond 10,000 (less common) |
| CEFR level | C1 | - |
| Part of speech | noun | |
| Collocations | federal, private, state, provision of, full, adequate, detailed, make, contain, include, apply, allow something, require something, provision against, provision for, buy, stock up on, stock up with, full, adequate, detailed, make, contain, include, apply, allow something, require something, provision against, provision for | contract stipulation, specific stipulation, legal stipulation |
| Antonyms | deprivation, deficit | withdrawal, disregard |
| Common mistakes | Confused with 'provisions' as just food supplies., Used 'provision' when 'provide' is needed., Misunderstood as a verb instead of a noun. | Confusing with 'illustration' as both seem related to agreements., Using in informal contexts where simpler terms are suitable. |
| Usage notes | Use 'provision' when discussing supplies, especially in a formal context like law or business. It's less common in casual conversations. | Used in legal, formal contexts. Avoid in casual conversation. It helps clarify terms in agreements. |
See it in real clips
Frequently asked questions: Provision vs Stipulation
What's the difference between Provision and Stipulation?
Provision: A supply or arrangement for future needs. Stipulation: A condition or requirement in an agreement.
Which is more formal: Provision and Stipulation?
Stipulation is the most formal of these.
Which is more common: Provision and Stipulation?
Provision is the most common in everyday English.
Can you show an example of each?
Provision: The provision of clean water is essential for the health of the community. Stipulation: The contract included a stipulation that all payments be made in advance.
Can I use Provision and Stipulation interchangeably?
Not always. Provision and Stipulation are related and overlap in some contexts, but they differ in register, how common they are, and usage, so swapping one for another can change the meaning or tone. Check the differences above before substituting.