Stipulate

Definition

(verb) To require (something) as a condition of a contract or agreement.
(verb) To specify, promise or guarantee something in an agreement.
(verb) To acknowledge the truth of; not to challenge. E.g. "The defense stipulates that the witness has identified my client."
(adjective) Having stipules; that is, having outgrowths borne on either side of the base of the leafstalk.

Background

The morphology of 'stipulate' reveals its roots in the Latin 'stipulare', meaning to contract or agree. As a verb, it carries the implication of requiring certain conditions within a contractual framework. In everyday contexts, stipulate often appears in legal documents or formal agreements, reflecting its significance in establishing obligations and expectations between parties.

Legal professionals frequently employ the term when drafting contracts, ensuring that all parties understand their responsibilities. Phrases like 'stipulate terms' or 'stipulate conditions' highlight its common usage in negotiations. In everyday conversation, one might say, "The landlord will stipulate the rules for living in the apartment," indicating the necessity of compliance with specific requirements.

For puzzle enthusiasts, 'stipulate' scores 11 points in Scrabble, making it a decent choice for maximizing points. The word fits into the Wordle format as it contains nine letters, and features common bigrams like 'st' and 'te'. Players can also form several sub-words such as 'pulsate', 'situate', and 'upstate', enhancing its utility in word games.

Originating from Middle English in the early 15th century, 'stipulate' reflects a historical continuity in legal terminology. Its Latin root 'stipulatio' describes a formal agreement, and the word has maintained this connotation over time. The plural form 'stipulations' is often used, while the verb conjugates to 'stipulates', 'stipulated', and 'stipulating'. Common misspellings include 'stipulat', where the 'e' is omitted, and confusion may arise between 'stipulate' and 'exstipulate'. This highlights the importance of careful spelling in legal contexts.

Using Stipulate in a sentence

The contract will stipulate the payment terms clearly.
In the meeting, the manager will stipulate the new guidelines for the project.
It is essential to stipulate your expectations in the agreement to avoid misunderstandings.
The lawyer insisted, "We must stipulate all conditions to protect our client's interests."

Origin of Stipulate

The word 'stipulate' comes from the Latin 'stipulare', which means to contract or agree. It entered Middle English in the early 15th century, retaining its legal connotation. Over time, the term has evolved but still signifies the requirement of conditions within contracts. The precise origin is debated, but its consistent use in legal contexts underscores its importance in formal agreements.

Words that mean the opposite

Word stats

Stipulate contains 9 letters: 4 vowel(s) and 5 consonant(s).
It uses 8 unique letters.
Estimated syllable count: 3.
Scrabble-style letter score: 11.

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Frequently asked questions

What does Stipulate mean?

To require (something) as a condition of a contract or agreement.

How many letters are in Stipulate?

Stipulate has 9 letters.

What are the different forms of the word stipulate?

'Stipulate' can be used in several forms, including the plural 'stipulations' and the verb conjugations 'stipulates', 'stipulated', and 'stipulating'.

Are there common misspellings of stipulate?

Yes, a frequent misspelling is 'stipulat', where the 'e' is omitted. Confusion can also occur with 'exstipulate', leading to incorrect usage.

Is stipulate a formal word?

'Stipulate' is considered a formal term, often used in legal and contractual contexts. It is less common in casual conversation, where simpler terms might be preferred.

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