noun

providence

PRAH-vuh-dens/ˈprɑːvɪdəns/

Divine care over human affairs.

The traveler sees the unexpected shelter as providence.

A lone traveler finds shelter beneath a tree as warm light breaks through storm clouds; symbolic divine care.

Etymology

proLatinahead

+vidLatinto see

+enceLatinabstract noun ending

“Seeing ahead” gives providence its underlying sense of foresight and timely care. Applied to God, this becomes beneficent guardianship or guidance of the world through divine wisdom and foreknowledge.

In context

Seek Learning18:03

Providence is not just generic optimism. It's not good luck or hopefully things will work out. Providence is a theological claim that history is not random that events unfold under divine superintendence

From Protestant Resistance to Civil Religion: The Sacred Career of the Declaration of Independence

More examples

They thanked providence for the safe return.
The sermon reflected on divine providence.
Her letters express trust in providence.

Forms

providence

Similar words

divine care: Divine care directly expresses the religious meaning.
guidance: Guidance need not be attributed to a deity.