prudence
1 Americannoun
noun
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caution in practical affairs; discretion or circumspection
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care taken in the management of one's resources
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consideration for one's own interests
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the condition or quality of being prudent
Related Words
Prudence, calculation, foresight, forethought imply attempted provision against possible contingencies. Prudence is care, caution, and good judgment, as well as wisdom in looking ahead: sober prudence in handling one's affairs. Calculation suggests a disposition to get a large return for as small an outlay as possible and willingness to benefit at the expense of others: cold calculation. Foresight implies a prudent looking ahead rather far into the future: clear foresight in planning. Forethought emphasizes the adequacy of preparation for the future: Careful forethought helped him deal with the emergency.
Other Word Forms
- nonprudence noun
Etymology
Origin of prudence
First recorded in 1300–50; Middle English, from Middle French, from Latin prūdentia. See prudent, -ence
Explanation
Use the noun prudence to describe sensible decisions about everyday life, like the prudence of people who spend their money wisely, saving as much as they can. Prudence can also describe the skill of side-stepping trouble or embarrassment, like having the prudence to avoid risks or the prudence to prepare for the unexpected, like packing a change of clothes in case the weather changes or your dinner reservations turn out to be at a fancy restaurant. Prudence comes from the Latin word prudentia, which means "foresight, sagacity."
Vocabulary lists containing prudence
The Declaration of Independence
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"The Odyssey" by Homer, Books 1–7
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"The Gift of the Magi" by O. Henry
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Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
However, I am not certain whether I exercised sufficient prudence in making this additional homeownership investment with such a short window before retirement.
From MarketWatch • Mar. 17, 2026
It’s not amoral to exercise exceptional prudence when considering an attack on another country, no matter how odious you may find its government.
From Salon • Mar. 14, 2026
If debate now mirrors this public caution, that may be less a sign of unhealthy pessimism than of public prudence shaped by experience.
From The Wall Street Journal • Mar. 8, 2026
Policymakers provide broad loss protection—either explicitly or implicitly—thereby weakening private incentives for prudence.
From Barron's • Feb. 18, 2026
“Demonstrate the patience and prudence which you have heretofore been lacking,” Lorren said flatly, then looked down at the book that lay open on his desk.
From "The Name of the Wind" by Patrick Rothfuss
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
