Definition of provide
Short definition: The word Provide means to give, supply, or make something available for someone’s needs, often used when talking about help, services, information, or support in everyday situations and practical contexts.
Looking for a clear and real-world explanation of the word provide? We use provide when talking about giving support, offering resources, making things available, or ensuring that people have what they need. From parents providing for their families to companies providing services, this word shows up in many meaningful parts of everyday life. Below, each meaning is explained in a relaxed way with long, natural examples.
Verb forms: provide, provides, providing, provided
Related: provision n., provider n., provided conj.
Syllable: pro-vide
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(Verb) To give someone what they need in order to live, work,
or feel supported, especially over a long period of time.
He works extra hours every week to provide for his family, making sure they always have food on the table and a safe place to live.Many parents feel a deep responsibility to provide not only financially, but also emotionally for their children.The organization exists to provide help for people who are struggling to meet their basic needs.
Synonyms: supply, give, support, furnish, equip, deliver, offer, sustain, maintain, back up, take care of, contribute
Antonyms: withhold, deny, deprive, neglect, abandon, refuse, restrict, starve, ignore needs, keep back, cut off, fail to supply -
(Verb) To make something available so that people can use it
when they need it.
The hotel provides free internet access, which makes it easier for guests to stay connected while traveling.The school provided online resources so students could continue learning from home.This app provides useful tools that help users manage their daily tasks more efficiently.
Synonyms: make available, offer, supply, furnish, equip, give access to, deliver, distribute, set up, hand out, arrange, present
Antonyms: remove access, block, restrict, deny, withhold, limit, take away, shut off, prevent use, conceal, hide, withdraw -
(Verb) To supply something that is needed for a specific purpose,
such as information, evidence, or tools.
Please provide all the necessary documents so we can complete the process without delays.She provided clear instructions that helped the team avoid costly mistakes.The report provides valuable insights into customer behavior and market trends.
Synonyms: supply, give, offer, present, furnish, contribute, deliver, submit, hand over, disclose, share, equip with
Antonyms: conceal, hide, withhold information, refuse to give, suppress, deny access, keep secret, block details, obscure, mislead, cover up, restrict sharing -
(Verb) To prepare in advance for a future situation or possible problem.
The company provided against potential losses by setting aside emergency funds.She always tries to provide for unexpected events, keeping extra savings just in case.The team provided for technical issues by testing the system before launch.
Synonyms: prepare, plan for, make arrangements, safeguard, anticipate, set aside, insure, secure, protect against, brace for, get ready, take precautions
Antonyms: ignore risks, neglect preparation, leave unplanned, overlook danger, take chances, be careless, assume safety, act unprepared, rush blindly, skip planning, disregard threats, fail to prepare -
(Figurative) To create conditions that allow something to happen
or develop naturally.
Good leadership can provide an environment where creativity and confidence grow.This policy provides the foundation for long-term success and stability.Her encouragement provided the motivation he needed to keep going.
Synonyms: create, enable, allow, support, foster, facilitate, build, encourage, promote, establish, nurture, make possible
Antonyms: block, prevent, hinder, discourage, suppress, limit, restrict, undermine, stop growth, damage conditions, obstruct, stifle
