Provide
/prəˈvaɪd/
Definitions
3 meaningsTo supply or make available something that is needed or wanted.
/prəˈvaɪd/
To make something available for use; supply.
The school provides students with all the necessary learning materials.
💡 Simply: Imagine you're baking cookies and you PROVIDE the chocolate chips – you give them. It's like giving someone what they need.
👶 For kids: To give someone something they need, like when your mom provides food for dinner.
More Examples
The government provides financial aid to low-income families.
This website provides detailed information about the product.
How It's Used
"The company provides health insurance for its employees."
"The library provides access to a wide range of books and resources."
To set a condition or stipulation, often in a legal or formal context.
/prəˈvaɪd/
To state or stipulate (something) formally or legally.
The constitution provides for freedom of speech.
💡 Simply: Imagine writing the rules for a game. You PROVIDE the rules, which are set conditions.
👶 For kids: To write down the rules or instructions, like how to play a game.
More Examples
The company's policy provides for paid leave.
The agreement provides that all disputes will be settled through arbitration.
How It's Used
"The contract provides that either party can terminate the agreement."
"The regulations provide clear guidelines for compliance."
To supply or equip (something), often for a specific purpose.
/prəˈvaɪd/
To equip someone or something.
The store provides a wide range of camping gear.
💡 Simply: Imagine you're setting up a campsite: You PROVIDE the tents, sleeping bags, and food. You give them what is needed to have a camp.
👶 For kids: To give someone the things they need, like providing a coat when it's cold.
More Examples
The charity provides food and water to disaster victims.
The company provided training for the new employees.
How It's Used
"We have to provide shelter for the night."
"They are providing new equipment for the laboratory."
Synonyms & Antonyms
Idioms & expressions
provide for
To make arrangements for someone's future needs, especially financial needs.
"The will provides for his children after his death."
From Latin *providēre* ('to foresee, supply'), from *pro-* ('forth, forward') + *vidēre* ('to see').
Used since the 15th century, initially meaning 'to foresee' or 'prepare for'. Its meaning expanded to 'supply' in the 16th century.
Memory tip
Think of a PRO (forward) VID (see) - to look forward and offer what is needed.
Word Origin
"to foresee, supply"