Well-read · Philosophy & belief
Providence: meaning, pronunciation and examples
Providence noun. The protective care of God or a higher power over the world and human lives.
How to say it
PROV-ih-dunss/ˈprɒvɪd(ə)ns/
3 syllables, stressed on the first (PROV). Forms: providential.
Meanings
- The protective care of God or a higher power over the world and human lives.
- Careful foresight in planning for the future.
Providence in a sentence
Stranded with a flat tyre, they saw the passing tractor as an act of providence.
The settlers believed providence had guided them across the ocean.
Similar and opposite
Similar:
- fate
- destiny
- divine will
- foresight
Where providence comes from
From Latin providentia, foresight, from providere, to see ahead.
Test yourself
Which word fills the gap?
The settlers believed _____ had guided them across the ocean.
- sceptic
- ideology
- providence
Show the answer
providence: The settlers believed providence had guided them across the ocean.