Learn English – the difference, if any, between “divine providence” and “Providence” (with a capital p)

etymologymeaningmeaning-in-contextword-choiceword-usage

ODO defines providence as:

providence: [mass noun] 1 the protective care of God or of nature as a spiritual
power: they found their trust in divine providence to be a source of
comfort

(Providence) God or nature as providing protective care: I live out my
life as Providence decrees

So is there any substantial difference in meaning if I were to replace "divine providence" with "Providence". For instance, in the following context:

Eugene acquired the chimpanzee, believing the chain of events
experienced by him to be divine providence. They did not make sense
otherwise. The chimpanzee was God’s emissary sent to him for a certain
purpose. If he ignored the chimpanzee, it would be like ignoring
Providence: impossible for a mere human to do.

Best Answer

There is a substantial difference between “God” and “the protective care of God”, so divine providence and Providence are not synonymous.

In your quoted passage, divine providence does not mean “the protective care of God”, but rather “provided/ordained by God” (see sense 5a in OED).

2. In full providence of God (also nature, etc.), divine providence. The foreknowing and protective care of God (or nature, etc.); divine direction, control, or guidance.

5. a. An act or instance of divine intervention; an event or circumstance which indicates divine dispensation.

6. a. Usu. in form Providence. God or nature as exercising prescient and beneficent power and direction.

[OED updated 2007]

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