What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
provisional
Example
The team made a provisional plan for the project, but it may change depending on the client's feedback. [provisional: adjective]
Example
The company hired a provisional employee to fill in for the regular staff member who was on leave. [provisional: noun]
temporary
Example
The office is undergoing renovations, so we have to work in a temporary space for a few weeks. [temporary: adjective]
Example
The company hired a temporary worker to cover the busy holiday season. [temporary: noun]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Temporary is more commonly used than provisional in everyday language, as it covers a wider range of contexts and situations. However, provisional is still an important term in certain professional or legal contexts.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between provisional and temporary?
Provisional is typically associated with a more formal or professional tone, while temporary is more versatile and can be used in both formal and informal contexts.
