Definitions
- Referring to a temporary position or role that is held until a permanent replacement is found. - Describing a temporary solution or measure that is put in place until a more permanent one can be established. - Talking about a transitional period between two events or stages.
- Describing something that is temporary and subject to change or modification. - Referring to a temporary arrangement or agreement that is not yet final or official. - Talking about a preliminary or tentative decision or judgment that is not yet final.
List of Similarities
- 1Both words refer to something temporary or transitional.
- 2Both words suggest that a more permanent or final solution is forthcoming.
- 3Both words can be used to describe a temporary position or arrangement.
What is the difference?
- 1Usage: Interim is more commonly used in the context of a temporary position or role, while provisional is more often used to describe a temporary decision or agreement.
- 2Connotation: Interim suggests a sense of continuity or stability during a transitional period, while provisional implies a sense of uncertainty or tentativeness.
- 3Duration: Interim typically implies a shorter duration than provisional, which can be more open-ended.
- 4Authority: Interim suggests a higher level of authority or responsibility than provisional, which can be more tentative or preliminary.
- 5Legal status: Provisional can have a legal connotation, such as a provisional patent or provisional driver's license, while interim does not have this association.
Remember this!
While interim and provisional are both synonyms for temporary or transitional, they have distinct differences in usage, connotation, duration, authority, and legal status. Interim is more commonly used in the context of a temporary position or role, suggesting continuity and stability during a transitional period. Provisional is more often used to describe a temporary decision or agreement, implying uncertainty and tentativeness.
