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

Being as safe as possible, however, is prudent.

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“We are taking a prudent approach to our guide while we’re implementing aggressive actions like qualifying lower-cost suppliers, producing memory configurations, and increasing prices,” Lores said.

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The company’s weak risk-adjusted capitalization and low U.S. dollar liquidity are offset in part by its access to capital markets and “prudent management of its capital structure,” the agency wrote.

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Japan’s government debt, at 235% of GDP, makes America’s fiscal situation look positively prudent.

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“I think that it would be prudent for the D.A.’s office to come to a resolution that appreciates the sort of position of Mr. Murillo in this case,” she said.

Read more on Los Angeles Times

Related Words

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