name
Common
Providence
PRO-vih-duhns
Providence (name) means Divine guidance or protective care, often attributed to God or fate. Example: “She thanked providence for her narrow escape.”
name
1
Divine guidance or protective care, often attributed to God or fate.
"She thanked providence for her narrow escape."
noun
1
Careful planning and management for the future; foresight and thrift.
"His providence in saving early paid off in retirement."
How to use Providence
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishGod's or fate's guiding hand over events, or more plainly, careful foresight in planning for the future.
Vocabulary Flow
Build your vocabulary from words like Providence.
Vocabulary Flow serves the next word, and the next — meaning, pronunciation and an example each time. Practice at your level, or learn English in your own language.
Start vocabulary practice
Word forms
- Plural
- providences
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
She thanked _____ for her narrow escape.
Etymology
Comes from providence.
Synonyms
View more →Antonyms
improvidence
Related words
Rhymes for Providence
See all rhymes for Providence →Frequently asked questions
What does “Providence” mean?
The word “Providence” means divine guidance or protective care, often attributed to God or fate. In plain terms, god's or fate's guiding hand over events, or more plainly, careful foresight in planning for the future.
How do you pronounce “Providence”?
“Providence” is pronounced PRO-vih-duhns (/ˈpɹɑvɪdəns/ in IPA).
How do you use “Providence” in a sentence?
Here is “Providence” used in a sentence: “She thanked providence for her narrow escape.”
What part of speech is “Providence”?
Depending on how it is used, “Providence” can be a name and a noun.
Is “Providence” a common word?
“Providence” is a fairly common word in modern English.
How many meanings does “Providence” have?
“Providence” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: divine guidance or protective care, often attributed to God or fate.
What is the difference between Providence and fate?
Providence refers to divine guidance or protective care, often attributed to God, implying a benevolent guiding force. Fate is a more neutral or even impersonal concept, referring to events that are predetermined without necessarily implying divine benevolence.
What does 'providence' mean outside a religious context?
Outside religion, providence can mean careful planning and management for the future, including foresight and thrift. In this sense, someone described as showing providence is being prudent and forward-thinking with resources.
Why is Providence sometimes capitalized?
Providence is capitalized when it refers to divine guidance or care attributed to God, treating it almost as a proper name for that guiding force. It is typically lowercase when used to mean general foresight or careful planning.
