providence

¹ American  

[prov-i-duhns] / ˈprɒv ɪ dəns /

noun

1. (often initial capital letter) the foreseeing care and guidance of God or nature over the creatures of the earth.

2. (initial capital letter) God, especially when conceived as omnisciently directing the universe and the affairs of humankind with wise benevolence.

3. a manifestation of divine care or direction.

4. provident or prudent management of resources; prudence.

5. foresight; provident care.

---

Providence ² American  

[prov-i-duhns] / ˈprɒv ɪ dəns /

noun

1. a seaport in and the capital of Rhode Island, in the NE part, at the head of Narragansett Bay.

---

Providence ¹ British  

/ ˈprɒvɪdəns /

noun

1. Christianity God, esp as showing foreseeing care and protection of his creatures

---

Providence ² British  

/ ˈprɒvɪdəns /

noun

1. a port in NE Rhode Island, capital of the state, at the head of Narragansett Bay: founded by Roger Williams in 1636. Pop: 176 365 (2003 est)

---

providence ³ British  

/ ˈprɒvɪdəns /

noun

1. 1. Christianity God's foreseeing protection and care of his creatures

   2. such protection and care as manifest by some other force

2. a supposed manifestation of such care and guidance

3. the foresight or care exercised by a person in the management of his affairs or resources

---

Providence Cultural  

1. Capital of Rhode Island and the largest city in the state, located in the northeastern part of the state.

---

Discover More

Port of entry and major trading center.

Roger Williams founded Providence in the early seventeenth century after he was exiled from the colony of Massachusetts. He named it in gratitude for “God's merciful providence.”

Etymology

Origin of providence

First recorded in 1300–50; Middle English, from Latin prōvidentia “foresight, forethought,” from prōvident- (stem of prōvidēns provident ) + -ia, noun suffix

Example Sentences

More than the subjective concept of talent, it is providence, manifested as other people’s unwavering confidence in his abilities, that the actor credits for his storied career as Argentina’s most celebrated film star internationally.

From New York Times

Where Prince Hamlet saw purpose in even the minutest occurrence—“There’s a special providence in the fall of a sparrow”—many of today’s scientists see only the impersonal laws of physics.

From Scientific American

They saw not only the forest for the trees but also the paths and roadways that history and providence had carved on their behalf.

From Washington Times

Employees who testified during the hearing say they were suspicious about its providence — particularly when Amazon erected a tent around it with signs that read “Speak for yourself!” and “Mail your ballot here.”

From The Verge

“I’m not superstitious, but blessed be Tezcatlipoca!” he quipped, referring to a major Aztec deity associated with providence and sorcery.

From Reuters