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

Derived Forms

• ˈprudently, adverb

Other Words From

• pru·dent·ly adverb
• non·pru·dent adjective
• pre·pru·dent adjective
• su·per·pru·dent adjective
• un·pru·dent 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

In addition, he had made prudent investments and, except for his wine cellar, did not live lavishly.

From The Daily Beast

There was no way to test blood for HIV, and excluding gays was a prudent move.

From The Daily Beast

Bicycle riders are prudent to fear being clipped by a passing car.

From The Daily Beast

It was the result of a chain of good decisions—wise, prudent, long-sighted, or, at the least, expedient choices.

From The Daily Beast

It is, rather famously, not the most prudent move to get a Ph.D in philosophy.

From The Daily Beast

If they had only been able to learn from the licentiate Alcaraz, who was experienced and very prudent!

From Project Gutenberg

But being himself in somewhat strained relations with the existing Government, he did not think it prudent to show himself.

From Project Gutenberg

On his departure from the Alcazar, the warden thought it prudent to send a person to observe his movements.

From Project Gutenberg

I being, he considered, the more prudent in money matters, kept our lodging accounts and paid the bills.

From Project Gutenberg

The commander-in-chief overrated the fighting qualities of the Neapolitan troops and thought it prudent to evacuate Rome.

From Project Gutenberg

Related Words

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