condition
/kənˈdɪʃən/
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The word "condition" is highly versatile. As a noun, it can refer to the general state or quality of something (e.g., "in good condition"), a requirement or stipulation (e.g., "on the condition that"), or a medical ailment (e.g., "a heart condition"). As a verb, it means to prepare or train (e.g., "condition muscles") or to influence and determine (e.g., "events that condition society"). The tone is generally neutral, but can be formal in legal, medical, or academic contexts. Common collocations include: "in good/bad/poor/excellent condition," "medical condition," "pre-existing condition," "terms and conditions," "on condition that," and "health condition." As a verb, it often collocates with objects like "hair," "skin," "oneself," or "behavior."
Meanings
A restricting or modifying circumstance; a prerequisite or requirement.
A particular disease or other medical problem.
To train or accustom (someone or something) to behave in a certain way or to accept certain circumstances.
To have a significant influence on or determine (the manner or outcome of something).
Examples
The antique furniture was in surprisingly good condition.
One of the conditions of the loan is that you must repay it within five years.
She has a rare genetic condition that affects her metabolism.
He's been conditioning his muscles for the upcoming triathlon.
The harsh environment conditioned the local wildlife to be incredibly resilient.
Their decision will condition the future of the entire project.
Common Mistakes
Non-native speakers sometimes confuse "condition" (referring to an internal state or quality) with "situation" (referring to external circumstances). While related, they are not always interchangeable. Another common mistake can be with the correct preposition when expressing stipulations, using "on condition that" rather than other prepositions. Learners might also struggle with the nuances of verb tenses when describing something being 'conditioned' (e.g., "I am conditioned" vs. "I have been conditioned").
Cultural Notes
The phrase "terms and conditions" is extremely common in English-speaking cultures, particularly in legal, commercial, and online contexts, often abbreviated to "T&Cs." It refers to the rules and stipulations governing an agreement or service. The idiom "in mint condition" is frequently used to describe an item, especially a collectible, that is in perfect, like-new state. In sports and psychology, "conditioning" refers to systematic training to improve physical fitness or to modify behavior.
Related Words
Etymology
The word "condition" entered English in the late 13th century from Old French "condicion," meaning "stipulation, agreement, state, status." This in turn derived from Latin "condicio" (later often misspelled "conditio"), meaning "agreement, stipulation, terms, state, nature, manner." The Latin root is likely from "com-" (with, together) + "dicere" (to speak, say), implying a 'speaking together' or 'agreement.' In English, its earliest senses related to terms of an agreement or a state of affairs. Over time, it evolved to mean a general state of being, a state of health, or a prerequisite.