Basic Details
Word: Conditional
Part of Speech: Adjective
Meaning: Depending on something else happening or being agreed first.
Synonyms: dependent, subject to, provisional, qualified
Antonyms: unconditional, absolute
How to Spell Conditional
Syllables: con - di - tion - al
Tricky part: It is condition + al, with one n before -al; conditionnal copies the double n of French conditionnel. The middle is -tion-, not -sion-.
Watch out for: conditionnal, condisional, conditionel
Memory tip: If you can spell condition, you are only two letters away: the a-l of formal sits at the end.
Usage Examples
Example 1: The job offer was conditional on a medical check.
Example 2: Her support for the plan was conditional, and she made that clear.
Example 3: In the English lesson we practised conditional sentences about the weather.
Fun Fact
In grammar, a conditional sentence often begins with if, such as If it rains, the match will be called off.
Practise the CREST Way
Word Connection
Choose the antonym of the word conditional as used in the sentence:
The coach gave a conditional promise: Ravi could play in the final if his ankle healed.
a) provisional
b) unconditional
c) dependent
d) limited
Show answer
b) unconditional. An unconditional promise has no ifs attached; the other three all carry one.
Word Makeup
Only one of these words takes the suffix -al. Choose it:
-al
a) suspicion
b) fashion
c) ambition
d) condition
Show answer
d) condition. Condition + al gives conditional, but ambition, suspicion and fashion make their adjectives with -ious or -able.
Mingle-Mangle
Unscramble the jumbled word in the sentence and choose the correct word:
The scholarship was lnaocnitdoi on top marks in the board exams.
a) additional
b) conditional
c) conditioned
d) traditional
Show answer
b) conditional. There is a c and an l but no e or r, so conditioned and traditional drop out, and additional needs two d's.
Multiple Choice Questions
1. A conditional offer of a school seat means the student ____.
a) gets the seat if terms are met
b) gets the seat whatever happens
c) must pay double the fees
d) must join a year later
Show answer
a) gets the seat if terms are met
2. Which word is closest in meaning to conditional?
a) dependent
b) certain
c) complete
d) final
Show answer
a) dependent
