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

Attorney General Pam Bondi defended Friday’s raid as an act of prudent justice but provided no further details of the investigation.

From Salon

Institutions justify their settlements as prudent business decisions to avoid the substantial costs and unpredictable risks of prolonged legal battles.

From Los Angeles Times

Prof Schotter said people are choosing to keep their cars longer to avoid buying new, adding it is "the prudent thing to do".

From BBC

Vasut said he was not personally aware, but said it was “prudent and proper” for lawmakers to follow the governor’s special session agenda.

From Salon

Since we don’t have silver-bullet medical techniques to reverse the effects of exposure to all harmful contaminants, it’s prudent we try to prevent another exposure and lead healthy lives.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

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