definitions

prudent

[ prood-nt ]
/ ˈprud nt /
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SEE MORE SYNONYMS FOR prudent ON THESAURUS.COM

adjective

wise or judicious in practical affairs; sagacious; discreet or circumspect; sober.
careful in providing for the future; provident: a prudent decision.

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RELATED WORDS

cautious, reasonable, frugal, shrewd, vigilant, discreet, sane, economical, judicious, careful, advisable, canny, circumspect, discerning, far-sighted, leery, politic, provident, sagacious, sage

Nearby words

prs., prt, prud'hon, prude, prudence, prudent, prudential, prudentius, prudery, prudhoe bay, prudish

Origin of prudent

1350–1400; Middle English < Latin prūdent- (stem of prūdēns), contraction of prōvidēns provident

Related forms

Can be confused

prudent prudential
Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2019

Examples from the Web for prudent

British Dictionary definitions for prudent

prudent

/ (ˈpruːdənt) /

adjective

discreet or cautious in managing one's activities; circumspect
practical and careful in providing for the future
exercising good judgment or common sense

Derived Forms

prudently, adverb

Word Origin for prudent

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