Provident
/ˈprɒv.ɪ.dənt/noun
Careful to plan for and provide for future needs.
Did you know?The same Latin root behind provident—meaning “to see”—also shaped theological “providence,” the idea of divine foresight or guidance.
Etymological Timeline
Proto-Indo-European
PIE
*weyd-
“To see, perceive, or know”
Ancient Greek
Greek
oîda
“I know; literally connected with having seen”
Classical Latin
Latin
vidēre
“To see”
Classical Latin
Latin
prōvidēre
“To foresee; literally, to see beforehand”
Late Latin
Latin
prōvidēns
“Foreseeing; providing wisely for the future”
16th Century
English
provident
“Foreseeing and making prudent preparations”
Modern English
English
provident
“Careful to plan for future needs”