providence

providence, divine care

noun pro-vee-DAHNS Rare

Origin: Latin providentia (foresight), from providere (to foresee)

Also means

godsend, lucky stroke

Usage Note

Providence in its primary sense means divine foresight and care — la Providence divine. In everyday French it is also used informally to describe a lucky intervention or a person who comes to the rescue: tu es ma providence! (you're a godsend!). The adjective providentiel (providential) is used to describe conveniently timely help.

Examples

"Il a vu dans sa rencontre un signe de la providence."

Natural Translation

He saw in this encounter a sign of providence.

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