Condition Meaning

UK /kənˈdɪʃən/
US /kənˈdɪʃən/
Word Definition
condition meaning

Condition Definition & Usage

noun

A state of being or the circumstances that affect something or someone.

Examples

  • "The car is in excellent condition."
  • "His health condition has improved dramatically."
  • "The house is in poor condition after the storm."
  • "The condition of the roads worsened after the heavy rain."
  • "She’s in no condition to travel today."
noun

A stipulation or requirement that must be met for something to happen.

Examples

  • "The loan was granted on the condition that he would repay it within a year."
  • "The job offer is contingent on the condition that you pass the background check."
  • "She agreed to the terms, but under the condition that they would pay her travel expenses."
  • "There is one condition to this agreement: no cancellations after the deal is signed."
  • "You can attend the event, but only under the condition that you follow all safety protocols."
noun

A clause or phrase that limits or modifies the meaning of a statement, typically introduced by 'if' or other conjunctions.

Examples

  • "In the sentence, 'If it rains, we will stay home,' the condition is 'if it rains.'"
  • "The condition of this rule is that all participants must sign a waiver."
  • "In conditional sentences, the 'if' clause expresses the condition for the main clause to be true."
  • "He failed to meet the condition for passing the course, which was a minimum grade of 70%."
  • "The condition for getting the reward is completing all the tasks."

Cultural Context

The word 'condition' comes from the Latin word 'conditio', meaning 'a state or situation'. Over time, it has broadened in usage, especially in legal, medical, and everyday language.

The Condition of Choices

Story

The Condition of Choices

Emma stood at the edge of the old wooden pier, staring at the waves crashing against the rocks below. The condition of the boat was far from ideal, but it was all they had. She had promised her brother they would go on this adventure, even if the conditions weren't perfect. As she inspected the boat, she could feel the damp wood beneath her fingers, reminding her of the years of neglect it had suffered. Still, it was her only chance to keep the promise she had made to him. Across the dock, Jake waved at her. 'You sure the boat’s in any condition to handle the storm? I’d hate to be caught out there.' Emma nodded, but her mind was focused elsewhere. She had been in worse conditions—physically and emotionally—and had always managed to push through. This, she told herself, was just another obstacle. 'It’ll hold up,' she said with a smile, though the doubt in her voice betrayed her. Jake wasn’t convinced. 'I’ve got a condition for you. If we go out, you’ll have to promise me we return by nightfall. The storm is coming, and I don’t want to risk it.' 'You’ve got a deal,' Emma agreed. 'But there’s one more condition. If the weather worsens, we turn back immediately.' The two of them set off, the boat creaking and groaning beneath them as they sailed across the still waters. The calm surface of the ocean hid the storm that was approaching. Emma couldn't help but think of the word 'condition'—it applied to everything now. From the state of the boat, to the terms they had just agreed upon, to the very state of her own mind. This wasn’t just about surviving the journey; it was about making it through life, one condition at a time. As the day wore on, the sky darkened, and the wind began to pick up. Jake’s face tightened as he checked the horizon. 'I think we should go back,' he said, concern clear in his eyes. Emma didn’t argue. Despite her stubbornness, she knew when to follow the condition of caution. 'Let’s head back,' she agreed. By the time they reached the dock, the storm was fully upon them. The boat had survived, and so had they, but Emma realized something important: sometimes, it’s the conditions that shape our choices. She turned to Jake with a grateful smile. 'We made it. Thanks for holding me to the conditions.' In the end, it wasn’t the state of the boat that had mattered—it was the conditions they agreed upon that kept them safe.

The Condition of Choices