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

Is that a prudent plan or a case of Catch 22?

From BBC

Kirk had suggested that occasional gun deaths were an acceptable cost for preserving constitutional rights, calling it a “prudent deal” and “rational.”

From Salon

“That is a prudent deal. It is rational.”

From Los Angeles Times

Attorney General Pam Bondi defended Friday’s raid as an act of prudent justice but provided no further details of the investigation.

From Salon

Institutions justify their settlements as prudent business decisions to avoid the substantial costs and unpredictable risks of prolonged legal battles.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

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