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.

Related Words

Explore French by topic

FrenchNow

French Adjective Placement: Before or After the Noun?

French adjectives usually follow the noun, but a small common set goes before it — and a few change meaning depending on which side they sit. Here's the rule.

June 4, 2026 5 min read

FrenchNow

French Greetings: Bonjour, Salut, Coucou Explained

Bonjour, salut, or coucou? Pick the right French greeting every time with a simple two-axis guide to formality and time of day, plus how to say goodbye.

June 4, 2026 5 min read

FrenchNow

Avoir or Être? Picking the Right Past-Tense Helper

Use avoir for the passé composé unless the verb is reflexive or one of ~16 DR MRS VANDERTRAMP motion verbs, which take être and force agreement.

June 4, 2026 5 min read

FrenchNow

French False Friends: 25 Faux Amis to Avoid

French false friends look like English words but mean something else: actuellement is not actually, sensible means sensitive. Here are 25 faux amis to avoid.

June 3, 2026 5 min read