Definition Definition

provide - Meaning and Examples

Meaning of 'provide' (Webster Dictionary)

1 . Provide [ v. i.]
- To procure supplies or means in advance; to take measures beforehand in view of an expected or a possible future need, especially a danger or an evil; -- followed by against or for; as, to provide against the inclemency of the weather; to provide for the education of a child.
- To stipulate previously; to condition; as, the agreement provides for an early completion of the work.
2 . Provide [ v. t.]
- To look out for in advance; to procure beforehand; to get, collect, or make ready for future use; to prepare.
- To supply; to afford; to contribute.
- To furnish; to supply; -- formerly followed by of, now by with.
- To establish as a previous condition; to stipulate; as, the contract provides that the work be well done.
- To foresee.
- To appoint to an ecclesiastical benefice before it is vacant. See Provisor.

Meaning of 'provide' (Princeton's WordNet)

1 . provide [ v]
Meaning (1):
- make a possibility or provide opportunity for; permit to be attainable or cause to remain
Example in sentence:
  • allow for mistakes;
  • leave lots of time for the trip;
  • The evidence allows only one conclusion;
  • This leaves no room for improvement;
  • This procedure provides for lots of leeway
Meaning (2):
- supply means of subsistence; earn a living
Example in sentence:
  • He provides for his large family by working three jobs;
  • Women nowadays not only take care of the household but also bring home the bacon
Meaning (3):
- mount or put up
Example in sentence:
  • offer resistance;
  • put up a good fight
Meaning (4):
- take measures in preparation for
Example in sentence:
  • provide for the proper care of the passengers on the cruise ship
Meaning (5):
- determine (what is to happen in certain contingencies), especially by including a proviso condition or stipulation
Example in sentence:
  • The Constitution provides for the right to free speech;
  • The will provides that each child should receive half of the money
Meaning (6):
- give what is desired or needed, especially support, food or sustenance
Example in sentence:
  • The hostess provided lunch for all the guests
Meaning (7):
- give something useful or necessary to
Example in sentence:
  • We provided the room with an electrical heater