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Webster 1913 Edition


Providence

Prov′i-dence

,
Noun.
[L.
providentia
: cf. F.
providence
. See
Provident
, and cf.
Prudence
.]
1.
The act of providing or preparing for future use or application; a making ready; preparation.
Providence
for war is the best prevention of it.
Bacon.
2.
Foresight; care; especially, the foresight and care which God manifests for his creatures; hence, God himself, regarded as exercising a constant wise prescience.
The world was all before them, where to choose
Their place of rest, and
Providence
their guide.
Milton.
3.
(Theol.)
A manifestation of the care and superintendence which God exercises over his creatures; an event ordained by divine direction.
He that hath a numerous family, and many to provide for, needs a greater
providence
of God.
Jer. Taylor.
4.
Prudence in the management of one’s concerns; economy; frugality.
It is a high point of
providence
in a prince to cast an eye rather upon actions than persons.
Quarles.

Webster 1828 Edition


Providence

PROV'IDENCE

,
Noun.
[L. providentia.]
1.
The act of providing or preparing for future use or application.
Providence for war is the best prevention of it. [Now little used.]
2.
Foresight; timely care; particularly, active foresight, or foresight accompanied with the procurement of what is necessary for future use, or with suitable preparation. How many of the troubles and perplexities of life proceed from want of providence!
3.
In theology, the care and superintendence which God exercises over his creatures. He that acknowledges a creation and denies a providence, involves himself in a palpable contradiction; for the same power which caused a thing to exist is necessary to continue its existence. Some persons admit a general providence,but deny a particular providence, not considering that a general providence consists of particulars. A belief in divine providence, is a source of great consolation to good men. By divine providence is often understood God himself.
4.
Prudence in the management of one's concerns or in private economy.

Definition 2024


Providence

Providence

See also: providence

English

Proper noun

Providence

  1. Divine care or direction, the will of God or the gods; fate.
  2. Any of several cities named for this force.
  3. The capital city of the state of Rhode Island in the United States of America.

Translations

providence

providence

See also: Providence

English

Noun

providence (countable and uncountable, plural providences)

  1. (now rare) Preparation for the future; good governance, foresight. [from 14th c.]
  2. The careful governance and guidance of god (or another deity, nature etc.). [from 14th c.]
  3. A manifestation of divine care or direction; an instance of divine intervention. [from 16th c.]
    • 1971, Keith Thomas, Religion and the Decline of Magic, Folio Society 2012, p. 91:
      The idea was that a complete list of fully documented providences should be compiled as a cooperative venture which would cross denominational barriers.
  4. Specifically, the prudent care and management of resources; thriftiness, frugality. [from 17th c.]
    His providence in saving for his old age is exemplary.

Translations

Related terms

See also


French

Pronunciation

Noun

providence f (plural providences)

  1. providence

Old French

Noun

providence f (nominative singular providence)

  1. providence (manifestation of divine care or direction)