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

Related Words

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