provide

[prəˈvaɪd]

provide Definition

• 1. to give someone something that they need or want
• 2. to make it possible for something to happen

Using provide: Examples

Take a moment to familiarize yourself with how "provide" can be used in various situations through the following examples!

• Example

  The hotel provides towels and toiletries for its guests.

• Example

  We need to provide more support for new teachers.

• Example

  The company will provide training for all employees.

• Example

  The law provides protection for whistleblowers.

provide Synonyms and Antonyms

Synonyms for provide

• supply
• furnish
• give
• offer
• grant

Antonyms for provide

• withhold
• deprive
• take away

Idioms Using provide

• provide a shoulder to cry on

  to offer emotional support to someone who is upset or distressed

  Example

  When her dog died, her friends provided a shoulder to cry on.

• provide food for thought

  to offer ideas or information that stimulate thinking or discussion

  Example

  The speaker's presentation provided plenty of food for thought.

• provide the goods

  to deliver what is expected or promised

  Example

  The company promised to provide the goods by the end of the week.

Phrases with provide

• provide for

  to take care of someone by giving them the things they need, such as food, clothing, or money

  Example

  He works hard to provide for his family.

• provide against

  to take action to prevent something from happening

  Example

  The company has taken steps to provide against future losses.

• provide with

  to give someone something that they need or want

  Example

  The school provides students with textbooks and other learning materials.

Origins of provide

from Latin 'providere', meaning 'to foresee, attend to'

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Summary: provide in Brief

The verb 'provide' [prəˈvaɪd] means to give someone something they need or want, or to make something possible. It can be used in phrases like 'provide for,' which means to take care of someone, and 'provide against,' which means to take action to prevent something from happening. Idioms like 'provide a shoulder to cry on' and 'provide food for thought' describe offering emotional support or stimulating ideas. 'Provide' is a formal word that can be replaced with 'supply' or 'furnish' in formal contexts.