conditional,
adj. 1. (of an equation or inequality) true only for certain values of the variable for which it can be solved. For example, x2 - 1 = x + 1 is a conditional equation, as it is true only for x = 2 and x = -1. Compare identity (sense 3).
2. (Statistics) with respect to some random variable of which the value is taken to be fixed. See conditional probability, conditional expectation, conditional distribution.
3a. (Logic) also called hypothetical. (of a statement, proposition, etc.) having implication as its main connective; consisting of two component propositions purporting to be so related that the second (the consequent) cannot be true if the first (the antecedent) is false, so that the compound statement is false only when its components do have these values. The usual English for this relation is P only if Q are all equivalent, and all of these forms are usually symbolized P → Q, or p ⊃ q.
b. (as substantive) a conditional statement. 4.(of a property) holding only under certain conditions or restrictions. See conditionally complete, conditionally convergent.
3a. (Logic) also called hypothetical. (of a statement, proposition, etc.) having implication as its main connective; consisting of two component propositions purporting to be so related that the second (the consequent) cannot be true if the first (the antecedent) is false, so that the compound statement is false only when its components do have these values. The usual English for this relation is P only if Q are all equivalent, and all of these forms are usually symbolized P → Q, or p ⊃ q.
b. (as substantive) a conditional statement. 4.(of a property) holding only under certain conditions or restrictions. See conditionally complete, conditionally convergent.