What is provide? Pronunciation and usage in English

provide means . Learn how to pronounce and use provide through vivid examples and easy-to-understand exercises.

Definition & pronunciation of provide

provideverb

/prəˈvʌɪd/
Definition & pronunciation of provide

Okay, let's break down how to pronounce "provide" in English. It's a tricky one for some learners! Here's a breakdown:

1. The Core Sound:

  • "pro": This part is relatively straightforward. Say "pro" like the beginning of the word "problem." It's a short, crisp "proh."
  • "vide": This is the tricky part! It's a diphthong, meaning it's a combination of two vowel sounds blended together. Here's how to make it:
    • Start with "ih" – like in "bit" or "hit."
    • Then slide smoothly into "wide" – as in "wide" or "ride." It's a quick, almost imperceptible slide.

2. Putting it Together:

So, you're aiming for something like: "proh-VID"

3. Emphasis:

  • The emphasis (the part you stress) is on the second syllable: "pro-VID".

4. Tips and Common Mistakes:

  • Don't say "pro-VID-ee": The "ee" sound is wrong.
  • Avoid a long "i" sound: Don't elongate the "i" sound. It should be a quick transition.
  • Listen to Native Speakers: This is the best way to learn. Search for "how to pronounce provide" on YouTube or use online dictionaries like Merriam-Webster or Cambridge Dictionary. They have audio pronunciations.

Resources to Help:

Would you like me to:

  • Repeat the pronunciation slowly for you?
  • Give you some example sentences using the word "provide"?

Usage and examples with the word provide in English

Let's break down how to use the word "provide" in English. It's a versatile word with a few different nuances, so understanding those will help you use it correctly.

1. Core Meaning: To Supply or Make Available

At its most basic, "provide" means to make something available or accessible. It's about supplying something that’s needed.

  • Example: "The charity provides food and shelter to homeless people." (They make these things available.)
  • Example: "The company provides excellent customer service." (They offer excellent service.)

2. Common Usage Patterns & Phrases

Here's how "provide" is frequently used with different verbs:

  • Provide something + with/for + someone/something: This is a really common structure.

    • Provide someone with: To give someone something.
      • Example: "He provided her with a warm coat." (He gave her a coat.)
      • Example: "The teacher provided the students with extra practice problems." (The teacher gave the students problems.)
    • Provide something for: To offer something as a benefit or resource.
      • Example: "The government provides healthcare for its citizens." (The government offers healthcare.)
      • Example: "The app provides information for travelers." (The app offers information.)

  • Provide for (a family/someone): This emphasizes giving for the needs of someone else, often financially.

    • Example: "He provides for his family." (He financially supports his family.)
    • Example: “She’s working hard to provide for her elderly parents.”

  • Provide with (a reason/explanation): To offer a reason or explanation.

    • Example: "He provided with a strong argument.” (He gave a good reason.)
    • Example: "The witness provided with a detailed account of the events.”

  • Provide an opportunity: To offer a chance.

    • Example: "The internship provided her with a valuable opportunity to learn."

  • Provide assurance: To give someone confidence or certainty.

    • Example: “The results provided assurance that the disease was under control.”

3. As a Verb vs. Noun

  • Verb (as shown above): This is the most common usage – to supply or make available.
  • Noun: "Provision" (pronounced pro-VEE-zhun) – This refers to something provided, a supply or allowance.
    • Example: “The company made a generous provision for employee benefits.” (They set aside money for benefits.)
    • Example: "We need to make adequate provisions for the trip." (We need supplies.)

4. Synonyms

Here are some words that can be used in place of “provide” depending on the context:

  • Supply
  • Give
  • Offer
  • Furnish
  • Make available
  • Provide

Let’s practice! Can you use “provide” in a sentence related to one of these situations?

  1. A doctor wants to help a patient feel better.
  2. A company wants to attract new customers.
  3. A parent wants to ensure their child's safety.

Would you like me to give you feedback on your sentences, or would you like me to give you some more examples or explore a specific usage of “provide”?

Synonyms for the word provide

Practice with vocabulary provide

Exercise 1: Fill in the blanks

  1. The new software aims to ________ users with an intuitive interface and robust security features.
  2. We need to ________ a secure online platform for confidential data exchange.
  3. The committee will ________ its recommendations for policy changes next month.
  4. His presentation managed to ________ a clear overview of the project's progress.

Exercise 2: Choose the correct answer (there may be multiple correct answers per question)

  1. The new educational program seeks to ________ students with the necessary skills for the modern workforce. a) furnish b) supply c) equip d) grant e) provide
  2. Effective communication requires individuals to ________ clear and concise information to their audience. a) deliver b) transmit c) convey d) offer e) provide
  3. The company aims to ________ its employees with professional development opportunities. a) equip b) allow c) offer d) empower e) provide
  4. The primary objective of the new system is to ________ data efficiently across all departments. a) disseminate b) transmit c) circulate d) distribute e) exchange
  5. The recent market trends ________ a challenging economic outlook for the next quarter. a) signify b) indicate c) suggest d) forecast e) imply

Exercise 3: Rewrite the sentences

  1. The company offers its employees comprehensive health benefits. (Rewrite using "provide" or a related word form.)
  2. The recent study revealed new insights into consumer behavior. (Rewrite using "provide" or a related word form.)
  3. The online platform allows users to instantly send and receive files. (Rewrite without using "provide", using a suitable replacement word.)

Answer:

Exercise 1: Fill in the blanks

  1. The new software aims to provide users with an intuitive interface and robust security features.
  2. We need to provide a secure online platform for confidential data exchange.
  3. The committee will submit its recommendations for policy changes next month.
  4. His presentation managed to convey a clear overview of the project's progress.

Exercise 2: Choose the correct answer

  1. a) furnish, b) supply, c) equip, e) provide
  2. a) deliver, b) transmit, c) convey, e) provide
  3. a) equip, c) offer, e) provide
  4. a) disseminate, b) transmit, c) circulate, d) distribute, e) exchange
  5. a) signify, b) indicate, c) suggest, e) imply

Exercise 3: Rewrite the sentences

  1. The company provides its employees with comprehensive health benefits.
  2. The recent study provided new insights into consumer behavior.
  3. The online platform enables users to instantly send and receive files.

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