prudence

noun

pru·​dence ˈprü-dᵊn(t)s 

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

Synonyms

• alertness
• care
• carefulness
• caution
• cautiousness
• chariness
• circumspection
• gingerliness
• guardedness
• heedfulness
• wariness

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

Now the rules of the workplace demand a different type of prudence for all but the elite. —Ira Winderman, Sun Sentinel, 30 July 2024

Anyone who takes on race politics must be judged by the highest standard of prudence. —Heather Wilhelm, National Review, 25 July 2024

Why the etiquette of silence, the prudence of propriety? —Rebecca Mead, The New Yorker, 22 July 2024

The California Mandela Act should be a watershed for California’s policies on incarceration and fiscal prudence. —Chris Holden, Orange County Register, 21 July 2024

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

Kids Definition

prudence

noun

pru·​dence ˈprüd-ᵊn(t)s 

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 

: attentiveness to possible hazard : caution or circumspection as to danger or risk

a person of ordinary prudence