prudent

[prood-nt]

adjective

1. wise or judicious in practical affairs; discreet or circumspect; sagacious; sober.

   Synonyms: careful, cautious, sensible

2. careful in providing for the future; provident.

   a prudent decision.

   Synonyms: frugal, thrifty, economical

prudent

/ ˈpruːdənt /

adjective

1. discreet or cautious in managing one's activities; circumspect

2. practical and careful in providing for the future

3. exercising good judgment or common sense

Other Word Forms

• prudently adverb
• nonprudent adjective
• preprudent adjective
• superprudent adjective
• unprudent adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of prudent¹

First recorded in 1350–1400; Middle English, from Latin prūdent- (stem of prūdēns ), contraction of prōvidēns provident

Word History and Origins

Origin of prudent¹

C14: from Latin prūdēns far-sighted, contraction of prōvidens acting with foresight; see _provident

Example Sentences

Should the kind of person prudent enough to be chancellor at a time of global economic turmoil have been prudent enough to double-check the licensing situation for herself?

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That seems like a prudent move as the broader market continues to hit new highs.

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And while an increasing number of Americans are dissatisfied with their healthcare coverage, it is prudent to wonder about the quality of care in other countries before making a decision as big as moving overseas.

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“For a Fed focused on prudent “risk management,” that should translate into another rate cut next week, and likely more to follow,” she added.

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Boston Fed President Susan Collins said this past week that “it seems prudent” to ease a bit more, and Chair Jerome Powell’s recent remarks were widely interpreted as greenlighting an October cut.

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Related Words

• careful 
• cautious 
• discreet 
• economical 
• frugal 
• judicious 
• reasonable 
• sane 
• shrewd 
• vigilant