Meaning of provide In English

• 0 to give someone something that they need:

  • This booklet provides useful information about local services.

  • All meals are provided at no additional cost.

  • The author provides no documentary references to support her assertions.

  • We have concerns about whether the government will be able to provide viable social services for poorer families/provide poorer families with viable social services.

  • Putting more police on patrol doesn't provide a real solution to the problem of increasing violence.

• 1 (of a law or decision) to say that something must happen if particular conditions exist:

  • Section 17 provides that all decisions must be circulated in writing.

• 2 to give something that is needed or wanted to someone:

  • The company provides medical benefits to all employees.

  • I can provide you with directions to their house.

• 3 (of a law or contract) to state that something must happen or be done:

  • [ I ] The new statute provides for life imprisonment without parole.

  • [ + that clause ] Many loan agreements provide that the interest rate will change.

• 4 to give something to a person, company, or organization, or to make it available for them to use:

  • The government has pledged to provide over $1 billion in refinancing.

  • provide sb with sth Customers, suppliers, and contractors will be provided with the specialist training they need to work on the project.

  • provide sth for sb/sth The enhanced cashflow will also provide funds for expansion into television.

  • provide sth to sb Our digital imaging centre provides a 3D scanning service to a wide range of customers in Europe, the Middle East, and Africa.

  • be provided by sb/sth According to Census data provided by the state Department of Labor and Industry, Hispanic workers constitute about 3% of the work force.

• 5 to produce something useful that can be used as part of a process or activity:

  • A well-established management process should provide a framework for the integration of all business units and operations.

  • It is hoped that the proposed 10-day sales-tax holiday will provide a boost to retail sales.

  • provide an opportunity/advantage/basis

• 6 if, or only if:

  • ILO conventions allow schoolchildren to work during their holidays and free time provided that strict safety measures are taken.

• 7 a law or rule that provides that something must happen states officially that it must happen:

  • Rule 222-2 provides that all notices of shareholder meetings shall be sent to shareholders not less than seven days before the date of the meeting.