peculiarly fortunate or appropriate; as if by divine intervention; "a heaven-sent rain saved the crops"; "a providential recovery"
Used in a Sentence
providential
How to use providential in a sentence. Example sentences and definitions for providential.
Editorial note
Right, that is the view that is being labeled almost providential.
Examples8
Definitions3
Parts of speech1
Quick take
peculiarly fortunate or appropriate; as if by divine intervention; "a heaven-sent rain saved the crops"; "a providential recovery"
Meaning at a glance
The clearest senses and uses of providential gathered in one view.
relating to or characteristic of providence; "assumption that nature operates only according to a providential plan"- M.R.Cohen
resulting from divine providence; "providential care"; "a providential visitation"
Definitions
Core meanings and parts of speech for providential.
adjective
peculiarly fortunate or appropriate; as if by divine intervention; "a heaven-sent rain saved the crops"; "a providential recovery"
See also: heaven-sent, miraculous
adjective
relating to or characteristic of providence; "assumption that nature operates only according to a providential plan"- M.R.Cohen
adjective
resulting from divine providence; "providential care"; "a providential visitation"
See also: divine
Example sentences
Right, that is the view that is being labeled almost providential.
I'd say it's not wrong, though the "providential man" idea is more closely linked to De Gaule than Napoleon.
Stoicism as it was taught 2000 years ago was extremely bound up in its "providential" and deity focus.
> How is that not an almost providential view of history?In about every conceivable way?
I didn't say that an 'almost providential' view of history is necessarily wrong, just that Pinker does indeed seem to hold such a view.
Combine it with Napoleon's providential talent, you could essentially have a mobile command center and the army could still function.
> But the real calamities have decreased dramatically, and life has improved so incredibly that it is not even funnyHow is that not an almost providential view of history?
There's a quote from the book that I posted in another comment that pretty clearly exemplifies the 'almost' providential nature of Pinker's view of history:"Though I am skittish about any notion of historical inevitability, cosmic forces or mystical arcs of justice, some kinds of social change really do seem to be carried along by an inexorable tectonic force.
Frequently asked questions
Short answers drawn from the clearest meanings and examples for this word.
How do you use providential in a sentence?
Right, that is the view that is being labeled almost providential.
What does providential mean?
peculiarly fortunate or appropriate; as if by divine intervention; "a heaven-sent rain saved the crops"; "a providential recovery"
What part of speech is providential?
providential is commonly used as adjective.