Logo
dictionary thesaurus

provenience

noun
pro·​ve·​nience | \ prə-ˈvē-nyən(t)s How to pronounce provenience (audio) , -nē-ən(t)s\

Definition of provenience

: origin, source
Did You Know? Example Sentences Learn More about provenience

Keep scrolling for more

Did You Know?

Did you suspect that "provenience" and "provenance" originate from the same source? You're right; they're parent and child. "Provenance" is the older of the two. It has been used to mean "origin" in English since at least the 1780s, and it is modeled on the French verb provenir, meaning "to come forth, originate." The French word, in turn, derives from Latin provenire, a composite of "pro-" (meaning "forth") and "venire" (meaning "come"). "Provenience" is a chip off the old block, originating as a modification of "provenance" about 100 years after its parent debuted in English texts. The source of the extra syllable in "provenience" is most likely "proveniens," a participle of "provenire" (the similar Latin participle conveniens gave us "convenience," another "venire" derivative).

Examples of provenience in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

 As my most recent work pulls inspiration from my Italian provenience, so does this album. — Kat Bein, Billboard, "David August Trades Chill House for Ambient Vibes on 'DCXXXIX A.C.': Watch," 5 Mar. 2018

First Known Use of provenience

1882, in the meaning defined above

History and Etymology for provenience

alteration of provenance

Keep scrolling for more

WORD OF THE DAY

cantankerous

play

See Definitions and Examples

Get Word of the Day daily email!