prudence

[ prood-ns ]

/ ˈprud ns /

Save This Word!

See synonyms for prudence on Thesaurus.com

noun

the quality or fact of being prudent, or wise in practical affairs, as by providing for the future.

caution with regard to practical matters; discretion.

regard for one's own interests.

provident care in the management of resources; economy; frugality.

OPPOSITES FOR prudence

1 rashness.

See antonyms for prudence on Thesaurus.com

QUIZ

CAN YOU ANSWER THESE COMMON GRAMMAR DEBATES?

There are grammar debates that never die; and the ones highlighted in the questions in this quiz are sure to rile everyone up once again. Do you know how to answer the questions that cause some of the greatest grammar debates?

Question 1 of 7

Which sentence is correct?

His boss, whom he admires, is waiting to meet with him about the big project.

His boss, who he admires, is waiting to meet with him about the big project.

TAKE THE QUIZ TO FIND OUT

Origin of prudence

First recorded in 1300–50; Middle English, from Middle French, from Latin prūdentia.See prudent, -ence

synonym study for prudence

1. 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 WORDS FROM prudence

non·pru·dence, noun

Words nearby prudence

Prozac, prp., prs., PRT, prude, prudence, prudent, prudential, Prudentius, prudently, prudery

Other definitions for prudence (2 of 2)

Prudence

[ prood-ns ]

/ ˈprud ns /

noun

a female given name.

How to use prudence in a sentence

We’ll reach just another American community like any other, a place that embraces this vaccine like it embraces every vaccine—in part because the politics will have finally taken a back seat to prudence.
How Can We Escape the COVID-19 Vaccine Culture Wars?|David French|June 8, 2021|Time
That prudence squares with Roku’s previous aversion to original programming altogether.
Future of TV Briefing: This year’s upfront is set for a streaming showdown|Tim Peterson|March 31, 2021|Digiday
In Nirmala Sitharaman speech, fiscal prudence took a backseat, healthcare got a much-anticipated boost, startups got a small reason to cheer and taxpayers’ slabs remained unaltered.
What Indian students thought of Nirmala Sitharaman’s 2021 Budget|Ananya Bhattacharya|February 3, 2021|Quartz
We need to upgrade our institutions to incorporate more wisdom, prudence, and love.
Big Tech’s attention economy can be reformed. Here’s how.|Gideon Lichfield|January 10, 2021|MIT Technology Review

However, the importance of prudence has become so heightened and the number of new Covid cases has risen so rapidly that the combination seems to be pushing some companies to push pause on their physical production returns.
‘No guarantee’: Digital video and commercial producers increase testing to protect talent on shoots|Tim Peterson|December 10, 2020|Digiday
He also believed, as a matter of political prudence, that the commercials had to be defensible on matters of fact.
David Garth, the Consultant Who Talked Up to Voters|Jeff Greenfield|December 15, 2014|DAILY BEAST
And he is to give this permission only to a priest “who has piety, knowledge, prudence and integrity of life.”
Pope Francis Gives Blessing to Exorcist Conference|Barbie Latza Nadeau|October 29, 2014|DAILY BEAST
Obama is right that when it comes to a major nuclear power like Russia, prudence is the best policy.
This Really Is Obama's Moment of Truth|Jonathan Alter|September 4, 2014|DAILY BEAST
His government, he said, was one of “prudence and hope” that put a premium on stability.
Iran’s Rouhani Does Davos|Christopher Dickey|January 23, 2014|DAILY BEAST
Yet, sadly, neither talent nor ambition cultivates prudence, wisdom, love, or magnanimity.
Miley Cyrus's Smartest Tattoo|James Poulos|September 28, 2013|DAILY BEAST
He that hath no experience, knoweth little: and he that hath been experienced in many things, multiplieth prudence.
The Bible, Douay-Rheims Version|Various
De vray, la bont et prudence de M. de Biancourt parust fort emmy ce fortunal de passions humaines.
The Jesuit Relations and Allied Documents, Vol. II: Acadia, 1612-1614|Various
In truth, M. de Biancourt's goodness and prudence seemed much shaken by this tempest of human passions.
The Jesuit Relations and Allied Documents, Vol. II: Acadia, 1612-1614|Various
"The Seorita is a pearl of prudence and discretion: do whatever she desired you," said Alphonse.
Blackwood's Edinburgh Magazine, Volume 60, No. 372, October 1846|Various
The garage keeper when storing a car for another for compensation must exercise reasonable care and prudence.
Putnam's Handy Law Book for the Layman|Albert Sidney Bolles

British Dictionary definitions for prudence

prudence

/ (ˈpruːdəns) /

noun

caution in practical affairs; discretion or circumspection

care taken in the management of one's resources

consideration for one's own interests

the condition or quality of being prudent

Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

prudence

OPPOSITES FOR prudence

Origin of prudence

synonym study for prudence

OTHER WORDS FROM prudence

Words nearby prudence

Other definitions for prudence (2 of 2)

Words related to prudence

How to use prudence in a sentence

British Dictionary definitions for prudence