providential

comparative more providential · superlative most providential

1. Pertaining to divine providence.First known use 17th c.

   The same belief underlay the providential view of history, in which the rise and fall of nations appeared as the expression of God's unsearchable purposes.

   1971, Keith Thomas, Religion and the Decline of Magic, Folio Society, published 2012, page 88

2. Fortunate, as if occurring through the intervention of Providence.First known use 18th c.

   “Why, Jane,” he cried, “what do you mean? What has our providential rescue to do with altering your feelings toward me? You are but unstrung—tomorrow you will be yourself again.”

   1913, Edgar Rice Burroughs, The Return of Tarzan, New York: Ballantine Books, published 1963, page 183

   Synonyms: heaven-sent, fortunate, lucky, serendipitous