providence

/ˈprɒv.ɪ.dəns/ (bre, ipa) · [prˈɑvədəns] /ˈprɑː.və.dəns/ (ame, ipa) · [prˈɑvədəns] /ˈprä-və-dən(t)s -ˌden(t)s/ (ame, mw)

providence — noun

1. a protective power or guiding force that many people believe shapes human life a

1.名詞C1
釋義

a protective power or guiding force that many people believe shapes human life and directs events, especially by offering help or safety during hardship

例句

Hari believed that providence had guided him to the right career path.

After the earthquake, the Nguyens saw their home being spared as an act of providence.

collocation: act of providence

同義詞
  • divine will

    more explicitly religious, emphasises a personal God's plan

  • fate

    broader and less protective; can be neutral or negative

  • destiny

    focuses on a predetermined outcome rather than ongoing care

  • karma

    from Eastern traditions; cause-and-effect rather than purposeful guidance

反義詞
  • coincidence

    an event without purpose or guiding force

  • chance

    randomness rather than meaningful direction

用法筆記

Often capitalized (Providence) when used in a religious context to refer to God's guiding power. Frequently appears in fixed phrases such as 'act of providence' and 'divine providence.'

常見錯誤

❌It was just providence that I found my keys.
✅It was pure luck that I found my keys.
💡providence describes significant, meaningful events, not everyday coincidences.
❌She thanked providence for the sunny weather.
✅She thanked God for the sunny weather.' or 'She saw the sunny weather as a gift of providence.
💡providence is the concept of divine care, not a personal being you thank directly.

2. the main city and administrative centre of Rhode Island, a state in the northeas

2.名詞B2
釋義

the main city and administrative centre of Rhode Island, a state in the northeastern United States, situated on the Providence River close to the Atlantic Ocean

例句

Olivia moved to Providence, Rhode Island, to study at Brown University.

Providence is known for its historic buildings and lively arts festivals.

用法筆記

Always capitalized as a proper noun. Not to be confused with the abstract sense of providence (divine guidance), which is also sometimes capitalized. Context determines the meaning.

常見錯誤

❌I live in providence.' (lowercase)
✅I live in Providence.
💡the city name is always capitalized.