provide

To give someone something they need, or make it available.

• The school provides free lunches.
• They provided us with useful information.
• Does the price include everything the hotel provides?

How to use it: provide someone with something (The hotel provides guests with towels.); provide something for someone (We provide meals for older people.)

Similar words: supply, give

Common phrases: provide information, provide a service, provide someone with something

To give someone the money, food, or other things they need to live.

• He provides for his family.
• Her parents provided for her throughout college.
• Who will provide for the children?

How to use it: provide for someone (She works hard to provide for her children.)

Similar words: support, maintain

Common phrases: provide for someone, provide for children

To earn enough money to pay for your own or your family’s basic needs.

• She works to provide for her children.
• Two jobs helped him provide for his family.
• Can you provide for yourself on that salary?

How to use it: provide for someone (He earns enough to provide for his family.)

Similar words: earn a living, support

Common phrases: provide for someone, provide for yourself

If a law or agreement does this, it states what must or may happen.

• The contract provides for annual payments.
• The rules provide that members may vote online.
• The agreement provided for an independent review.

How to use it: provide that… (The agreement provides that rent must be paid monthly.); provide for something (The law provides for compensation.)

Similar words: stipulate, specify

Common phrases: provide that, provide for payment

To make arrangements now for a possible future need or problem.

• We must provide for future needs.
• The council provided against possible water shortages.
• Their savings provide for unexpected expenses.

How to use it: provide against something (They stored extra grain to provide against famine.); provide for something (The plan must provide for unexpected delays.)

Similar words: prepare, plan

Common phrases: provide against disaster, provide for emergencies