Definition

Relating to or based on a condition or requirement that must be met for something to happen.

Example

The agreement was conditional, meaning it would only take effect if certain terms were fulfilled.

Conversation

Have you heard about the new conditional rules in our English class?

Yeah, I heard they can be a bit tricky to understand.

I think the conditional sentences are really interesting once you get the hang of them.

Definitely! They add so much depth to our conversations.

Synonyms & Antonyms

Definition

A word or phrase that expresses a condition or a situation that depends on something else happening.

Example

In the sentence, 'If it rains, we will stay inside,' the phrase 'if it rains' is a conditional.

Conversation

Have you ever studied conditional sentences in English?

Yeah, they're interesting but can be a bit tricky.

I agree! I often mix up the different types of conditional clauses.

Root Explanation

Conditional → It is formed from "conditio" (from Latin, meaning a stipulation or agreement) and the suffix "-al" (meaning pertaining to). The word "conditional" refers to something that is pertaining to a stipulation or dependent on certain conditions.

Memory Tip

Think of a stipulation or agreement ('conditio') that something is dependent on — that's what conditional means.

Visually Confused Words