providing

A mother is providing a healthy lunch for her child.

Definition

1. Noun (uncountable, formal or technical):

   • The act of supplying or making available something needed or desired: "providing" refers to the process of giving or furnishing what is necessary, such as food, resources, or services.
   • A stipulation or condition: In legal or formal contexts, "providing" can mean a clause that specifies a condition (e.g., "providing that...").

2. Conjunction (archaic or formal):

   • On the condition that; if: Used to introduce a condition, similar to "provided that." This usage is rare in modern English but appears in legal or formal texts.

Usage Examples

• Noun:

  • The providing of clean water to remote villages is a challenging task. (The act of supplying water.)
  • His will included a providing for his youngest child's education. (A stipulation or condition in a legal document.)

• Conjunction:

  • I will lend you the money, providing you repay it within a year. (On the condition that you repay it.)

Advanced Usage

• "Providing for": to make arrangements to supply someone with necessities, especially financial support.

  • She is responsible for providing for her elderly parents. (Supplying their needs, such as money or care.)

• "Providing that": a formal phrase meaning "on the condition that."

  • The contract is valid, providing that both parties sign it. (The contract is valid only if both parties sign.)

Variants and Related Words

• Provide (verb): to supply or make available.

  • The company will provide training for new employees. (To give training.)

• Provision (noun): the act of supplying or something supplied; also, a condition in a legal document.

  • The provision of food and shelter is essential. (The act of supplying.)

• Provider (noun): a person or entity that supplies something.

  • He is the primary provider for his family. (The main source of income.)

Synonyms

• Supply: to make something available for use.
• Furnish: to provide with necessary items or information.
• Stipulation: a condition or requirement in an agreement (for the noun meaning "condition").

Related Idioms

• "Providing for a rainy day": to save or prepare for future difficulties.

  • They set aside money, providing for a rainy day. (Saving for emergencies.)

• "Providing the wherewithal": to supply the necessary resources or means.

  • The grant provided the wherewithal to start the project. (The necessary funds or tools.)

Phrasal Verbs

• Provide for: to support someone financially or to prepare for something in advance.
  • He works hard to provide for his children. (To financially support them.)
  • The law provides for a fair trial. (The law ensures that a fair trial is possible.)