provided: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
B2Formal to Neutral
Quick answer
What does “provided” mean?
On the condition or understanding that.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
On the condition or understanding that; if a specified condition is met.
Used to stipulate a prerequisite for something else to happen or be valid; also as a past participle of the verb 'provide', meaning supplied or furnished.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
Minimal. 'Provided' is slightly more formal in both varieties. The alternative form 'providing' might be slightly more accepted in informal American use.
Connotations
Slightly formal, precise, and contractual in tone. It implies a clear condition or stipulation.
Frequency
Common in both varieties, with similar frequency in written and spoken formal contexts.
Grammar
How to Use “provided” in a Sentence
provided (that) + clausebe provided with + nounprovide + noun + for/to + nounVocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “provided” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- The kit was provided with all necessary tools.
- Accommodation is provided for all attendees.
American English
- Lunch will be provided at the meeting.
- The manual provided with the device was unclear.
adjective
British English
- The provided documentation was insufficient.
- Use the template provided in the appendix.
American English
- The provided instructions were easy to follow.
- Please review the materials provided.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Used in contracts and agreements to specify terms: 'Payment will be made provided the deliverables are accepted.'
Academic
Used to frame hypotheses or methodological constraints: 'The experiment is valid provided external variables are controlled.'
Everyday
Used to set personal conditions: 'You can borrow the car provided you fill up the tank.'
Technical
Used in manuals and specifications: 'The system will operate safely provided the voltage does not exceed 240V.'
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “provided”
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “provided”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “provided”
- Using 'provide' instead of 'provided' in conditional clauses (e.g., 'You can go provide that you finish' – INCORRECT).
- Omitting 'that' in very formal writing where it is preferred ('provided that').
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
They are similar, but 'provided' is more specific. It implies that the condition is a stipulation or requirement that must be met, often one that the speaker has control over or insists upon. 'If' is more general.
Yes, 'providing (that)' is often used interchangeably with 'provided (that)' in modern English, especially in less formal contexts. Some style guides consider 'provided' slightly more formal.
No, 'that' is often omitted, especially in speech and informal writing. However, in formal or legal writing, 'provided that' is commonly used for clarity.
No. It is also the past tense and past participle of the verb 'provide' (e.g., 'He provided the answers'). As a participle, it can function as an adjective (e.g., 'the provided information').
On the condition or understanding that.
Provided is usually formal to neutral in register.
Provided: in British English it is pronounced /prəˈvʌɪdɪd/, and in American English it is pronounced /prəˈvaɪdɪd/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “All tools provided.”
- “God provides (for those who provide for themselves).”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of a PROVISION in a contract. PROVIDED is the word that introduces that PROVISION (the condition).
Conceptual Metaphor
CONDITIONS ARE BARRIERS/GATES (you can only pass through if the condition is met).
Practice
Quiz
Which sentence uses 'provided' correctly as a conjunction?