prudence

noun

pru·​dence ˈprü-dᵊn(t)s How to pronounce prudence (audio)
1
: the ability to govern and discipline oneself by the use of reason
2
: sagacity or shrewdness in the management of affairs
3
: skill and good judgment in the use of resources
4
: caution or circumspection as to danger or risk

Examples of prudence in a Sentence

He always exercises prudence with his finances. advised to use some old-fashioned prudence when agreeing to meet face-to-face with an online acquaintance
Recent Examples on the Web Similarly, prudence devoid of passion risks transforming into stagnation. Somdutta Singh, Forbes, 13 Feb. 2024 What the auction houses sell is wholesale, though sometimes auction sales ignore the laws of prudence and common sense. Brian T. Allen, National Review, 27 Jan. 2024 The lessons of history remind us that the path to prosperity lies in responsible governance and unwavering commitment to accountability and fiscal prudence. Bryce Chinault, National Review, 13 Feb. 2024 But that was only until the prudence of their marrying into the moneyed set became obvious. Jacobina Martin, Washington Post, 30 Jan. 2024 Fiscal prudence suggest that estimates should be conservative. Phillip Molnar, San Diego Union-Tribune, 19 Jan. 2024 Financial prudence should be their guide: Delaware needs the horses and the Maryland Jockey Club needs the time. Reader Commentary, Baltimore Sun, 8 Jan. 2024 Spaceflight is complicated and hard and risky, and prudence demands an extra set of eyes on work. Eric Berger, Ars Technica, 20 Nov. 2023 In a world of permanent revolution, prudence demands that leaders permanently scout for what’s coming next—even if the exact business applications of an early-stage technology aren’t yet apparent. François Candelon, Fortune, 1 Dec. 2023

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'prudence.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

Etymology

Middle English, from Anglo-French, from Latin prudentia, alteration of providentia — more at providence

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of prudence was in the 14th century

Dictionary Entries Near prudence

Cite this Entry

“Prudence.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/prudence. Accessed 19 Mar. 2024.

Kids Definition

prudence

noun
pru·​dence ˈprüd-ᵊn(t)s How to pronounce prudence (audio)
1
: the ability to govern and discipline oneself by the use of reason
2
: skill and good judgment in the management of affairs

Legal Definition

prudence

noun
pru·​dence ˈprüd-ᵊns How to pronounce prudence (audio)
: attentiveness to possible hazard : caution or circumspection as to danger or risk
a person of ordinary prudence

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