Definition

A specific condition or requirement that must be met in a legal document or agreement.

Example

The contract included a proviso that the work must be completed by the end of the month.

Conversation

Did you read the agreement we signed for the project?

Yeah, but I noticed there was a proviso about the deadlines.

Right? I think that condition could really affect our timeline.

Definitely! We should keep that in mind while planning our work.

Synonyms & Antonyms

Root Explanation

Proviso is derived from the Latin "provisus" (meaning foreseen) which comes from "pro-" (meaning before) and "videre" (meaning to see). The word refers to a condition or stipulation that is foreseen or anticipated in an agreement.

Memory Tip

Think of something that is 'foreseen' ('pro-' means before and 'videre' means to see) — a proviso is a condition that you see coming before making an agreement.

Visually Confused Words