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

But can companies go further—and take sustainability and financial prudence to the next level? —Claus Jepsen, Forbes, 5 Dec. 2024

And yet many outside observers saw in Iran’s attack a degree of prudence. —Afshon Ostovar, Foreign Affairs, 19 Apr. 2024

Effective management of the company’s debt-to-equity ratio and liquidity reserves will also signal financial prudence to potential investors. —Ivan Lunegov, Forbes, 6 Nov. 2024

His commitment to fiscal prudence and his promise to voters hang in the balance with vetoing a tax-increasing budget bill emerging as his only viable option. —Reader Commentary, Baltimore Sun, 26 Mar. 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