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Where does the word "provide" come from? It comes from Latin providere, passing through Old French before entering English (1400s).
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Where does the word "provide" come from? It comes from Latin providere, passing through Old French before entering English (1400s).
Provide’s story begins in Latin: providere meant “to foresee.” 'pro-', ahead, plus 'videre', to see. By medieval, the word had taken hold in Old French as provider. The root of 'providence' and 'prudent'. It reached English by 1400s as provide. 'providence' shares the root. Today, provide means to make available.
- Stage 1 · Latin · ancient providere "to foresee", 'pro-', ahead, plus 'videre', to see.
- Stage 2 · Old French · medieval provider "to foresee", the root of 'providence' and 'prudent'.
- Stage 3 · English · 1400s provide "to foresee; to supply", 'providence' shares the root.