English Online Dictionary. What means providence? What does providence mean?
English
Etymology
From Middle English providence, from Anglo-Norman providence, Middle French providence, and their source, Latin prōvidentia (“providence, foresight”), from the present participle of prōvidēre (“to provide”). By surface analysis, provide + -ence. Displaced native Old English foresċēawung.
Pronunciation
- (UK) IPA(key): /ˈpɹɒvɪdəns/
Noun
providence (countable and uncountable, plural providences)
- (now rare) Preparation for the future; good governance; foresight. [from 14th c.]
- The careful governance and guidance of God (or another deity, nature, etc.). [from 14th c.]
- A manifestation of divine care or direction; an instance of divine intervention. [from 16th c.]
- Specifically, the prudent care and management of resources; thriftiness, frugality. [from 17th c.]
Derived terms
- Lake Providence
Related terms
- provident
Translations
See also
- divine
References
French
Etymology
Learned borrowing from Latin prōvidentia.
Pronunciation
- IPA(key): /pʁɔ.vi.dɑ̃s/
Noun
providence f (plural providences)
- providence
Derived terms
- providentiel
Related terms
- pourvoir
Further reading
- “providence”, in Trésor de la langue française informatisé [Digitized Treasury of the French Language], 2012.
Old French
Noun
providence oblique singular, f (nominative singular providence)
- providence (manifestation of divine care or direction)