Provide

Pronunciation

• Rhymes: -aɪd
• IPA: /pɹəˈvaɪd/

Origin

Borrowing from la prōvideō.

Full definition of provide

Verb

1. To make a living; earn money for necessities.It is difficult to provide for my family working on minimum wage.
2. To act to prepare for something.
3. To establish as a previous condition; to stipulate.The contract provides that the work be well done.I'll lend you the money, provided that you pay it back by Monday.
4. To give what is needed or desired, especially basic needs.Don't bother bringing equipment, as we will provide it.We aim to provide the local community with more green spaces.
5. To furnish (with), cause to be present.
• ArbuthnotRome ... was well provided with corn.
6. To make possible or attainable.He provides us with an alternative option.
• MiltonBring me berries, or such cooling fruit
  As the kind, hospitable woods provide.
7. (obsolete, Latinism) To foresee.
8. To appoint to an ecclesiastical benefice before it is vacant. See provisor.

Derived terms

• provider

Related terms

• provision