Etymology Map
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Provide

3 stages from Latin to English.

Today it means to make available

Where does the word "provide" come from? It comes from Latin providere, passing through Old French before entering English (1400s).

1
Stage 1 of 3
providere
Latin · ancient
"to foresee"
'pro-', ahead, plus 'videre', to see
2
Stage 2 of 3
provider
Old French · medieval
"to foresee"
the root of 'providence' and 'prudent'
3
Stage 3 of 3
provide
English · 1400s
"to foresee; to supply"
'providence' shares the root
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Read the full story

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.