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Provide vs Supply vs Furnish

Provide, supplyfurnish mean to give or to get what is desired by or needed for someone or something.

The words are often used interchangeably without seeming loss, but sometimes one of them rather than either of the others may be selected because of the implications or connotations that it stresses.

Provide may suggest foresight and stress the idea of making adequate preparation for something by stocking or equipping; the agent of the action in such cases is usually personal.

Supply may stress the idea of replacing, of making up what is needed, or of satisfying a deficiency.

Furnish (see also FURNISH ) may emphasize the idea of fitting something or someone with whatever is necessary or, sometimes, normal or desirable (as for use, occupancy, service, or emergencies).