How to pronounce providence
Say it like PROV-uh-duns. Providence has three syllables, and the main stress falls on the first one (PROV).
Click the play button next to American or British to hear how to pronounce providence. Choose Slow to hear each sound clearly.
- PROV
- uh
- duns
- Main stress
- Lighter stress
- Unstressed
Providence pronunciation, sound by sound
Read the parts left to right, then blend them together without pausing.
- PROVSay this part loudest and longest. The vowel is the "ah" in father.
- uhKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the relaxed "uh" in about.
- dunsKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the relaxed "uh" in about.
American vs British pronunciation of providence
- The short o is rounded in British English (as in "hot"), but open and unrounded in American English.
British respelling: PROV-ih-duns.
What does providence mean?
- the capital and largest city of Rhode Island; located in northeastern Rhode Island on Narragansett Bay; site of Brown University
- the guardianship and control exercised by a deity“divine providence”
- a manifestation of God's foresightful care for his creatures
Where does providence come from?
From Middle English providence, from Anglo-Norman providence, Middle French providence, and their source, Latin prōvidentia (“providence, foresight”), from the present participle of prōvidēre (“to provide”).
Questions about saying providence
How do you pronounce providence?
Say PROV-uh-duns. The American pronunciation is /ˈprɑvədəns/. In British English it is /ˈprɒvɪdəns/. Press play above to hear it at normal speed or slowly.
How many syllables are in providence?
Providence has three syllables, and the main stress falls on the first one (PROV). Broken into parts: PROV · uh · duns.
Is providence pronounced differently in British English?
Yes. The short o is rounded in British English (as in "hot"), but open and unrounded in American English. The British form is /ˈprɒvɪdəns/ (PROV-ih-duns).