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. 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 ² British  

/ ˈprɒvɪdəns /

noun

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

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Providence ³ 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 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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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

Explanation

Providence is the guardianship and care provided by a deity or god. Religious people thank their god for his providence. The word provide is a good clue to this word's meaning: when a religious being is said to give people providence, he's taking care of them — providing for them. For religious people, any good thing that happens to them — like landing a new job, getting healthy, or finding money on the ground — could be considered an example of providence. You can also talk about people providing providence, if they're showing care and prudence in managing resources.

Example Sentences

Call it what you will: chances, providence, fluke, good fortune.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 4, 2026

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

“There’s almost a providence about it,” Kansas Sen. Roger Marshall told me and another reporter.

From Slate • Jul. 17, 2024

But as we circled to receive our share of providence, the fat flanks of the magnificent beasts we’d stalked on the hill shrank to parched sinew, the gristle of drought-starved carcasses.

From "The Poisonwood Bible" by Barbara Kingsolver