providence
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providence
A higher power, often understood as divine, that is believed to guide the fate of the world and of human beings toward good.
Er war überzeugt, dass die Vorsehung ihn vor dem schweren Unfall bewahrt hatte.
He was convinced that providence had saved him from the serious accident.
The word is made up of 'vor-' (pre-/fore-) and '-sehung'. The part '-sehung' is derived from the verb 'sehen' (to see). 'Vorsehung' (providence) is therefore literally a kind of 'fore-seeing' or forward-looking planning by a higher power.
Manche glauben, dass nichts zufällig geschieht und alles Vorsehung ist.
Some people believe that nothing happens by chance and that everything is providence.
'Vorsehung' (providence) is a word with an elevated, often religious or philosophical character. It is used rather rarely in everyday language.
In alten Romanen spielt der Glaube an die Vorsehung oft eine große Rolle.
In old novels, belief in providence often plays a major role.
The word is often used in fixed expressions, for example 'an die Vorsehung glauben' (to believe in providence), or when commenting on a fortunate event: 'Das war die Vorsehung!' (That was providence!).
Dass er den Zug verpasst hat und so dem Unglück entging, war für ihn die reine Vorsehung.
That he missed the train and thus escaped the disaster was, for him, pure providence.
fate
Schicksal and Vorsehung can both refer to a higher power or a guided course of life. Vorsehung, however, is usually understood as a divine power that guides the world and human beings toward good; Schicksal implies neither a divine source nor a positive direction.
Die Gläubigen vertrauten darauf, dass die Vorsehung sie sicher durch die schwere Zeit führen würde.
The believers trusted that providence would guide them safely through the difficult time.
Die Familie nahm ihr Schicksal an, obwohl niemand wusste, wie es weitergehen würde.
The family accepted their fate, although no one knew what would happen next.
