provisional
Loading your saved state.
provisional
Intended for a transitional period and not final; temporary or makeshift. A provisional solution serves to handle a situation temporarily until a permanent solution has been found.
Nach dem Wasserrohrbruch wurde die Leitung vom Handwerker nur provisorisch geflickt.
After the burst water pipe, the plumber only patched the line provisionally.
'Provisorisch' (provisional/provisionally) is very often used as an adverb to describe how an action is carried out. It then stands directly with the verb and means 'in a makeshift way' or 'temporarily'.
Das kaputte Fenster wurde nur provisorisch mit Pappe abgedeckt.
The broken window was only covered provisionally with cardboard.
The word 'provisorisch' (provisional) emphasizes that a solution is not only limited in time, but often also simple, incomplete, or imperfect. It always implies that a final, better solution still has to follow.
Das ist nur ein provisorischer Plan, die Details müssen wir noch ausarbeiten.
This is only a provisional plan; we still have to work out the details.
Common nouns combined with 'provisorisch' (provisional) are 'Lösung' (solution), 'Regierung' (government), 'Unterkunft' (accommodation), or 'Brücke' (bridge). It describes things that were created quickly and for a transitional period.
Nach dem Sturm lebten die Familien in provisorischen Unterkünften.
After the storm, the families lived in provisional accommodations.
definitely / definitive
'definitiv' and 'provisorisch' form a clear contrast. 'definitiv' describes something that is final or meant to stay that way permanently. 'provisorisch' describes something that is only intended as a temporary solution until there is a better or permanent solution. 'provisorisch' often also has the sense of 'makeshift', for example with a repair or a plan. In short: 'definitiv' lasts; 'provisorisch' only helps for the time being.
Nach dem Umzug nutzt die Familie erst einmal einen provisorischen Esstisch.
After the move, the family is using a provisional dining table for now.
Die Klasse weiß jetzt, dass der Ausflug definitiv im Sommer stattfindet.
The class now knows that the trip is definitely taking place in the summer.