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

We’ll reach just another American community like any other, a place that embraces this vaccine like it embraces every vaccine—in part because the politics will have finally taken a back seat to prudence.

From Time

That prudence squares with Roku’s previous aversion to original programming altogether.

From Digiday

In Nirmala Sitharaman speech, fiscal prudence took a backseat, healthcare got a much-anticipated boost, startups got a small reason to cheer and taxpayers’ slabs remained unaltered.

From Quartz

We need to upgrade our institutions to incorporate more wisdom, prudence, and love.

From MIT Technology Review

However, the importance of prudence has become so heightened and the number of new Covid cases has risen so rapidly that the combination seems to be pushing some companies to push pause on their physical production returns.

From Digiday

He also believed, as a matter of political prudence, that the commercials had to be defensible on matters of fact.

From The Daily Beast

And he is to give this permission only to a priest “who has piety, knowledge, prudence and integrity of life.”

From The Daily Beast

Obama is right that when it comes to a major nuclear power like Russia, prudence is the best policy.

From The Daily Beast

His government, he said, was one of “prudence and hope” that put a premium on stability.

From The Daily Beast

Yet, sadly, neither talent nor ambition cultivates prudence, wisdom, love, or magnanimity.

From The Daily Beast

He that hath no experience, knoweth little: and he that hath been experienced in many things, multiplieth prudence.

From Project Gutenberg

De vray, la bont et prudence de M. de Biancourt parust fort emmy ce fortunal de passions humaines.

From Project Gutenberg

In truth, M. de Biancourt's goodness and prudence seemed much shaken by this tempest of human passions.

From Project Gutenberg

"The Seorita is a pearl of prudence and discretion: do whatever she desired you," said Alphonse.

From Project Gutenberg

The garage keeper when storing a car for another for compensation must exercise reasonable care and prudence.

From Project Gutenberg

Related Words

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