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.

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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.

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Providence ¹ 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)

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providence ² 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

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Providence ³ British  

/ ˈprɒvɪdəns /

noun

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

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Providence Cultural  

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

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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

Otto von Bismarck’s special providence for “fools, drunks, and the United States of America” may be coming to the aid of the current incumbent.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 3, 2026

But heavenly providence does not come easily for Ann.

From Salon • Dec. 27, 2025

It did not providence any evidence to back up its accusation that South Africa had released the passport information of its officials.

From BBC • Dec. 19, 2025

In the 1994 classic, Tom Hanks ruminates about fate, resilience and providence, from a park bench that has become a part of movie lore in the way of Judy Garland’s ruby slippers.

From Los Angeles Times • Feb. 26, 2025

But as I stood at the podium facing the Truman High Class of 2010—including several who were children of my own high school classmates—there was providence in the moment.

From "Drama High" by Michael Sokolove