providence Meaning, Definition & Usage

  1. noun the capital and largest city of Rhode Island; located in northeastern Rhode Island on Narragansett Bay; site of Brown University
    capital of Rhode Island.
  2. noun the guardianship and control exercised by a deity
    • divine providence
  3. noun a manifestation of God's foresightful care for his creatures
  4. noun the prudence and care exercised by someone in the management of resources

WordNet

Prov"i*dence noun
Etymology
L. providentia: cf. F. providence. See Provident, and cf. Prudence.
Definitions
  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 1913