ENGLISH
REFERENCE

provide

v.
A2 Elementary Oxford US //pɹəˈvaɪd// UK //pɹəvˈaɪd// pro·vide Archaic General-service

v. to give someone something they need or want. You use this when you make sure a person has a specific tool, service, or piece of information.

v. to make something available for use; to supply or furnish a necessary or desired resource. Transitive — requires a direct object.


SIMPLE

The hotel will provide clean towels every morning.

CONTEXTUAL

The local library aims to provide free internet access and educational resources to all members of the community.

COMPLEX

The government's new initiative is designed to provide comprehensive healthcare coverage to low-income families who previously lacked access to essential medical services.

Synonyms
Origin

Inherited from Middle English providen, from Latin prōvidēre (“to foresee, act with foresight”). Doublet of purvey.

Usage

Commonly used with the preposition 'with' when the recipient is the object ('provide someone with something') or 'for' when the thing is the object ('provide something for someone').

Pitfall

The company provides to its employees health insurance.The company provides its employees with health insurance.When the recipient follows the verb directly, use 'with' before the item being given; do not use 'to' like the verb 'give'.

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