determine (what is to happen in certain contingencies), 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"
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"
take measures in preparation for
"provide for the proper care of the passengers on the cruise ship"
To make a living; earn money for necessities.
"His consulting work provides enough income to cover his rent and groceries every month."
In plain English: To provide means to give something to someone so they can have it.
"The park provides a safe place for children to play."
Usage: Use provide to mean supplying something needed or making it available, such as providing food for a meal. Do not use it to mean earning a living, which should be expressed with phrases like make a living or earn an income.
The word provide comes from the Latin phrase prōvidēre, which originally meant to foresee or act with foresight. It entered English through Middle English as a doublet related to the word purvey.