provide
pruh-VYD
Provide (verb) means to supply someone with something they need or want. Example: “The charity provides meals for the homeless.”
verb
1
To supply someone with something they need or want.
"The charity provides meals for the homeless."
"The hotel provides free Wi-Fi to guests."
"Our school will provide laptops for every pupil."
2
To make a stipulation or condition in advance.
"The contract provides that either party may cancel with 30 days' notice."
"The rules provide that every player must wear a helmet."
"The lease provides for a full refund if the flat is not ready."
How to use provide
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishTo give someone what they need, or to set out a condition in a formal agreement.
Common pairings
provide for
provide with
as provided by law
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Word forms
- Third person singular
- provides
- Past tense
- provided
- Archaic forms
- providest, providedst, provideth
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
The charity _____ meals for the homeless.
Etymology
From Latin prōvidēre, "to foresee, act with foresight" — the same root that gives us "provident" and "providence."
Synonyms
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Related words
Rhymes for provide
See all rhymes for provide →Frequently asked questions
What does “provide” mean?
The word “provide” means to supply someone with something they need or want. In plain terms, to give someone what they need, or to set out a condition in a formal agreement.
How do you pronounce “provide”?
“Provide” is pronounced pruh-VYD (/pɹəˈvaɪd/ in IPA).
How do you use “provide” in a sentence?
Here is “provide” used in a sentence: “The charity provides meals for the homeless.”
What part of speech is “provide”?
“Provide” is a verb.
Where does the word “provide” come from?
The word “provide” comes from Latin. From Latin prōvidēre, "to foresee, act with foresight" — the same root that gives us "provident" and "providence.".
Is “provide” a common word?
“Provide” is a very common word in modern English, usually learned at around the A2 level.
How many meanings does “provide” have?
“Provide” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: to supply someone with something they need or want.
What is the difference between 'provide' and 'supply'?
Both mean to give someone what they need, and often you can swap them. Provide suggests meeting a need or want, sometimes with a sense of care — providing food or shelter. Supply leans more toward furnishing goods or quantities, often in trade or logistics. You provide support; a company supplies parts.
How do you use 'provide' in a sentence?
Provide takes a few patterns. You provide something to someone ('we provide meals to residents'), provide someone with something ('we provide residents with meals'), or provide for someone, meaning to support them. Choose 'with' when the person comes first and 'to' or 'for' when the thing comes first.
What is an example of 'provide'?
A school might provide free lunches, a guide provides directions, and solar panels provide electricity. In each case, something needed or wanted is supplied to those who lack it. The word fits people, organisations, and things alike, whenever one gives another what it requires.
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