Etymology : Middle English, from Latin providEre, literally, to see:
ahead, from pro- forward + vidEre to see; more at PRO-, WIT
Pronunciation : pr&-vId
Function : verb
Date : 15th century
1. conj. on the condition that; only if. providedyou can click anywhere, but just don't click here.provided \pro*vid"ed\ , conj. on condition; by stipulation; with the understanding; if; -- usually followed by that; as, provided that nothing in this act shall prejudice the rights of any person whatever. provided the deductions are logical, they seem almost indifferent to their truth. h. lewes.note: this word is strictly a participle, and the word being is understood, the participle provided agreeing with the whole sentence absolute, and being equivalent to this condition being previously stipulated or established.
2. On condition; by stipulation; with the understanding; if; usually followed by that; as, provided that nothing in this act shall prejudice the rights of any person whatever.
3. To look out for in advance; to procure beforehand; to get, collect, or make ready for future use; to prepare.
4. To supply; to afford; to contribute.
5. To furnish; to supply; formerly followed by of, now by with.
6. To establish as a previous condition; to stipulate; as, the contract provides that the work be well done.
7. To foresee.
8. To appoint to an ecclesiastical benefice before it is vacant.
9. See Provisor.
10. To procure supplies or means in advance; to take measures beforehand in view of an expected or a possible future need, especially a danger or an evil; followed by against or for; as, to provide against the inclemency of the weather; to provide for the education of a child.
11. To stipulate previously; to condition; as, the agreement provides for an early completion of the work. take measures in preparation for; "provide for the proper care of the passengers on the cruise ship" determine , especially by including a proviso condition or stipulation; "The will provides that each child should receive half of the money"; "The Constitution provides for the right to free speech" provide what is desired or needed, especially support, food or sustenance; "The hostess provided lunch for all the guests" supply means of subsistence; earn a living; "He provides for his large family by working three jobs"; "Women nowadays not only take care of the household but also bring home the bacon".
12. If you say that something will happen provided or provided that something else happens, you mean that the first thing will happen only if the second thing also happens. The other banks are going to be very eager to help, provided that they see:
that he has a specific plan Provided they are fit I see no reason why they shouldn't go on playing for another four or five years. = providing. used to say that something will only be possible if something else happens or is done = providing.