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Webster 1913 Edition

Prudent

Pru′dent

,
Adj.
[L.
prudens
,
-entis
, contr. from
providens
: cf. F.
prudent
. See
Provident
.]
1.
Sagacious in adapting means to ends; circumspect in action, or in determining any line of conduct; practically wise; judicious; careful; discreet; sensible; – opposed to
rash
;
as, a
prudent
man
; dictated or directed by prudence or wise forethought; evincing prudence;
as,
prudent
behavior
.
Moses established a grave and
prudent
law.
Milton.
2.
Frugal; economical; not extravagant;
as, a
prudent
woman;
prudent
expenditure of money
.
Syn. – Cautious; wary; circumspect; considerate; discreet; judicious; provident; economical; frugal.

Webster 1828 Edition

Prudent

PRU'DENT

,
Adj.
Cautious; circumspect; practically wise; careful of the consequences of enterprises, measures or actions; cautious not to act when the end is of doubtful utility, or probably impracticable.
The prudent man looketh well to his going. Prov.14.
A prudent man foreseeth the evil and hideth himself. Prov.22.
1.
Dictated or directed by prudence; as prudent behavior.
2.
Foreseeing by instinct; as the prudent crane.
3.
Frugal; economical; as a prudent woman; prudent expenditure of money.
4.
Wise; intelligent.

Definition 2024

Prudent

Prudent

See also: prudent

Norman

Proper noun

Prudent m

  1. A male given name

prudent

prudent

See also: Prudent

English

Adjective

prudent ‎(comparative more prudent, superlative most prudent)

  1. Sagacious in adapting means to ends; circumspect in action, or in determining any line of conduct; careful, discreet, sensible; -- opposed to rash; directed by prudence or wise forethought; evincing prudence;
    • 1864, Jules Verne, chapter 30, in A Journey to the Center of the Earth:
      He did not hesitate what to do. It would be prudent to continue on to Omaha, for it would be dangerous to return to the train, which the Indians might still be engaged in pillaging.
    • Moses established a grave and prudent law. --Milton.
  2. Practically wise, judicious, shrewd
    His prudent career moves reliably brought him to the top
  3. Frugal; economical; not extravagant;
    Only prudent expenditure may provide quality within a restrictive budget

Derived terms

Synonyms

Antonyms

Related terms

Translations

Anagrams

French

Etymology

Borrowed from Latin prūdēns, prūdēntem.

Pronunciation

  • IPA(key): /pʁy.dɑ̃/

Adjective

prudent m ‎(feminine singular prudente, masculine plural prudents, feminine plural prudentes)

  1. prudent

Antonyms

Related terms

Romanian

Etymology

Borrowing from French prudent.

Adjective

prudent m, n ‎(feminine singular prudentă, masculine plural prudenți, feminine and neuter plural prudente)

  1. prudent, careful, cautious

Declension

Synonyms

Related terms

  • prudență

Etymology

From Middle English, from Middle French prudent, from Latin prūdēns, contracted from prōvidēns ‎(“foresight”) (English providence), the past participle of prōvideō ‎(“I forsee”). Unrelated to prude.

Pronunciation

  • IPA(key): /ˈpɹuːdənt/

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