To provide means to supply something that's needed or useful. When your school provides lunch, it makes food available to students. When parents provide clothing and shelter for their children, they're making sure those necessities are there when needed.

The word often appears in situations where someone or something is responsible for making sure others have what they need. A library provides books for the community. A teacher provides feedback on your essay. A good raincoat provides protection from getting soaked. Scientists work hard to provide evidence for their theories.

Provide carries a sense of responsibility and planning. When you provide snacks for a party, you're thinking ahead about what people will need. A company that provides internet service sets up all the equipment and maintains it so customers can get online reliably.

A provider is someone who supplies something important, like a parent who provides for their family or a company that provides electricity to homes.