Conditionally Meaning: Definition and Examples

Science

• In programming, 'conditionally' often refers to statements that execute only if a certain condition is true, a core concept in coding.
• In psychology, conditional behavior can be seen in theories of learning, where actions are reinforced based on specific conditions.

Law

• Legal agreements often have conditional clauses, meaning that certain actions or agreements are only valid if specific conditions are met.
• Conditional releases in the criminal justice system allow for a person’s release from custody under certain conditions, such as supervision.

Literature

• Writers often use conditional statements in storytelling to explore ‘what if’ scenarios, creating plots that hinge on specific conditions.
• Fiction often features characters faced with conditional decisions that guide their development and outcome of the story.

Everyday Life

• Many life situations are conditional, like ‘You can have dessert if you eat your vegetables’, illustrating everyday examples of conditionality.
• Relationships can involve conditional elements, where individuals might say affection depends on certain behaviors.

Main points about word origin

• The word comes from the Latin 'conditio', meaning a stipulation or agreement, showing its roots in agreements and rules.
• In English, it began to be used in the 15th century to express situations that depend on conditions.

The word 'conditionally' originates from the Late Latin term 'conditionalis', which means 'pertaining to a condition'. The Latin root 'conditio' means 'a setting together, condition'. It entered the English language in the 14th century, evolving through Middle English usage. Initially, it was used in moral and philosophical discussions, particularly concerning the nature of obligations reliant on specific criteria. Over the centuries, 'conditionally' has found applications in legal, literary, and everyday contexts, underscoring its relevance in discussions wherein stipulations play a critical role. The evolving meanings have solidified its status in modern English, as it captures the essence of concepts that hinge on particular circumstances, making it a fundamental adverb in both formal and informal dialogue.

With rank #18,285, this word belongs to specialized vocabulary. While not common in everyday speech, it enriches your ability to express complex ideas.

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