DictionaryAI

provide

verb
pruh-VYD/pɹəˈvaɪd/

Formsprovides, providing, provided

6 meanings of provide

Practice

  1. 1
    verbtransitive
    To give someone something they need or want, or to make it available or possible for them.

    The school will provide lunch for all students on the trip.

    The library provides free computers for anyone to use.

    UsageSay provide something for someone or provide someone with something.

    Similarsupply, offer, give, furnish

    Oppositewithhold, deny

    Note
  2. 2
    verbtransitive or intransitive
    To give your family or others the money, food, and things they need to live.

    Parents work hard to provide food and clothing for their children.

    He works two jobs to provide for his three kids.

    UsageSay provide for your family, or provide them with food.

    Similarsupport, maintain

  3. 3
    set a conditionverbtransitive or intransitive
    To say in a rule or agreement that something must happen.

    The rules provide that every player must wear a helmet.

    Her contract provides for two weeks of vacation each year.

    UsageA rule provides that something happens, or provides for something.

    Similarstipulate, specify, state, require

    Note

Less common meanings

  1. 4
    prepareverbintransitive
    To get ready for something that may happen.

    Smart campers provide for bad weather by packing extra clothes.

    She always provides for emergencies by keeping extra food at home.

    UsageSay provide against a danger and provide for what may happen.

    Similarprepare, plan

  2. 5
    verbobsolete
    To see or think about something before it happens.
    Note
  3. 6
    verb
    To give someone a church job before the person who has it leaves.
    provide such natives to the higher dignities of the church
    1838, William H[ickling] Prescott, History of the Reign of Ferdinand and Isabella

Practice

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Origin

From Latin prōvidēre, meaning "to foresee", which came into English through Middle English providen.

Checked 1 Nov 2026 · 2 facts