Providence
/ˈprɒvɪdəns/
Definitions
2 meaningsThe protective care of God or of nature as a spiritual power.
/ˈprɒvɪdəns/
The elderly woman credited providence for her long life.
💡 Simply: Imagine a really good friend who always seems to know what you need and looks out for you, even when you don't realize it. That feeling of being looked after is like providence. Think of it as a lucky break that seems to happen just when you need it.
👶 For kids: It's like when someone or something is taking care of you, like a lucky helper!
More Examples
The sailors considered their safe return a sign of providence.
The painting depicts a scene showing the blessings of providence.
How It's Used
"She believed her survival was due to divine providence."
"The author attributes the hero's success to the workings of providence."
The act of providing or preparing for a future event or circumstance.
/ˈprɒvɪdəns/
Timely preparation for future eventualities.
Her providence in packing extra food saved them during the unexpected delay.
💡 Simply: It's like when you plan ahead. For instance, you are prepared for a rainy day because you took your umbrella! The planning, preparation, or care you put into it.
👶 For kids: It's like planning ahead so you're ready for whatever happens!
More Examples
The company's providence in diversifying its investments protected it during the economic downturn.
We should show providence in case we face an emergency
How It's Used
"The government's providence in storing supplies helped the people during the war."
"Their providence in saving money allowed them to retire early."
Synonyms & Antonyms
Idioms & expressions
act of providence
An event seen as caused by God or fate.
"Their unexpected meeting was seen as an act of providence."
From Middle English, from Old French *providence*, from Latin *prōvidentia* ('foresight, prudence, foreknowledge'), from *prōvidēre* ('to foresee, provide for'), from *prō-* ('before, forward') + *vidēre* ('to see').
Historically, 'providence' was used heavily in religious and philosophical writings to describe the role of God in the world.
Memory tip
Think of a loving, guiding hand that looks out for you.
Word Origin
"foresight, prudence, foreknowledge"