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

The conditions also illustrate the increasing prudence of managing some backcountry fires for ecological benefit, treating them more like controlled burns rather than trying to immediately suppress them, Duncan said.

From Los Angeles Times

You’ll thank yourself for your prudence if you need that warranty manual or receipt years from now.

From Seattle Times

Capital Economics, an economics think tank, suggested using the headroom that the chancellor will have as a result of the surplus to cut taxes amounted to "putting the election before prudence".

From BBC

Related Words

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