providence

Meanings

1. 1
   noun

   the protective guidance, care, or ordering of events attributed to God or another divine power

   They regarded their unexpected rescue as an act of divine providence.

2. 2
   noun

   foresight and prudent preparation for future needs; now chiefly formal or historical

   Through careful providence, the village stored enough grain for the winter.

From Middle English and Anglo-French providence, from Latin providentia ('foresight, precaution'), based on providere ('to foresee, attend to, or provide'). The religious sense treats God's foresight as active care and governance of creation.

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