pro|vide

pro|vide «pruh VYD», verb, -vid|ed, -vid|ing.

–v.t.

1. to supply; furnish: »

Sheep provide us with wool. The garden provides vegetables for the family.

2. to arrange in advance; state as a condition beforehand: »

Our club's rules provide that dues must be paid monthly.

SYNONYM(S): stipulate.

3. to get ready; prepare beforehand: »

Mother provides a good dinner. The wise ant her wintry store provides (John Dryden).

–v.i.

1. to give what is needed or wanted; arrange to supply means of support: »

to provide for one's family.

2. to take care for the future: »

to provide for old age, to provide against accident.

╂[< Latin prōvidēre look after; (literally) foresee < prō- ahead + vidēre to see. See etym. of doublet purvey. (Cf. ↑purvey)]