prudence

¹

[ prood-ns ]

noun

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

   Antonyms: rashness

2. caution with regard to practical matters; discretion.
3. regard for one's own interests.
4. provident care in the management of resources; economy; frugality.

Prudence

²

[ prood-ns ]

noun

1. a female given name.

prudence

/ ˈpruːdəns /

noun

1. caution in practical affairs; discretion or circumspection
2. care taken in the management of one's resources
3. consideration for one's own interests
4. the condition or quality of being prudent

Other Words From

• non·prudence noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of prudence¹

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

Synonym Study

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.

Example Sentences

Decades later, Chancellor Reeves would say that kind of restraint defines her, and she has very much modelled herself on Gordon Brown’s “prudence” in the lead-up to Labour’s 1997 election win.

From BBC

Better to demonstrate prudence, he reasoned, than to rashly reverse a well-considered decision in hope of temporarily saving face.

From Los Angeles Times

It has been reported that Mr Murdoch wanted to amend a family trust created in 1999 so that son Lachlan could take control without "interference" from his siblings Prudence, Elisabeth and James.

From BBC

This has reportedly led to James, Elisabeth and Prudence uniting and "fighting back".

From BBC

Prudence is Mr Murdoch's eldest child, from his marriage to his first wife Patricia Booker.

From BBC

Related Words

• austerity
• conservatism
• diligence
• discretion
• foresight
• frugality
• judgment
• tact
• vigilance
• wisdom