Vocabulary in context
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Conditional
Subject to one or more conditions; dependent on something else being true or fulfilled.
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Imagine This
Imagine you receive a scholarship offer that is conditional on maintaining a 3.5 GPA. If you drop below it, the offer is withdrawn; until you meet the condition, you have no guaranteed sponsorship.
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Sounds Like
kun-DIH-shuh-nuhl
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Looks Like
Looks like 'condition' plus the suffix -al; both share the same root.
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Remember This
In logic, a 'conditional' is an if-then statement. The term comes from Latin conditio, meaning a stipulation or arrangement.
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Other Forms
conditionallyadverb
conditionalsnoun
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Connect With
contingent, dependent, proviso, stipulation, prerequisite
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Note
Avoid confusing 'conditional' with 'unconditional.' Also note that phrases like 'conditional on' or 'conditional upon' are both correct; American English often prefers 'conditional on.'
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Study Deeper
Examples
- Admission to the program is conditional on submitting all required documents.
- The contract includes a conditional clause that allows either party to withdraw if deadlines are not met.
Synonyms
contingentdependentprovisionalqualifyingtentative
Antonyms
unconditionalabsoluteunrestricted
Etymology
From Late Latin conditionalis, from condicio 'a putting together, stipulation' from Latin condere 'to put together, found, establish' + the suffix -al.
Mnemonic
CONDITIONAL: CONDITIONS DICTATE ALLOWANCE. Remember that a conditional situation is only allowed when the conditions are met.
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Tenacity
nounThe quality of being persistent and determined; the ability to persevere and hold fast to a goal despite obstacles.
Entrench
verbTo establish or fortify a position, belief, or habit so that it becomes difficult to change; to surround or secure a position by digging trenches.
Stimulate
verbTo rouse or spur into action; to increase activity, interest, or development.
Similar Words
Related words and words with the same part of speech.
Dependent
adjectiveAdjective: depending on something else for support, existence, or outcome; not independent. Noun: a dependent is a person who relies on another for support.
Abstruse
adjectiveDifficult to understand; obscure or highly complex.
Accidental
adjectiveHappening by chance or without deliberate planning; not intended. In music, it is also a noun for a symbol that temporarily alters a pitch.
Acerbic
adjectiveSharp or biting in tone or taste; caustic or mordant in manner.
Acquiescent
adjectiveReady to agree or approve without protest; compliant.
Adamant
adjectiveRigid in opinion or purpose; not willing to change one's mind or position.
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