Have you ever wondered about the definition of prudence? This article will provide you with all of the info you need on the word prudence, including its definition, etymology, usage, example sentences, and more!
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According to Merriam-Webster and other sources like Collins English Dictionary and the American Heritage Unabridged Dictionary of the English Language, the word prudence is a noun that means caution, frugality, or wisdom and foresight. The word prudence is two syllables – pru-dence, and the pronunciation of prudence is ˈpruːdəns. Someone who has prudence is prudent (adj.) and may be good at the management of resources, have foresight, scholasticism and discretion, be good at practical affairs and practical matters, and a way of caution about them. They do not take unnecessary risks that might put them in distress, and have a strong use of reason as well as great tact. Prudence is also a female name and one of the Puritan virtue names. Prudence is one of the cardinal virtues – prudence, justice, fortitude, and temperance.
Many languages around the word also contain words that mean prudence. You may notice that some of these words and phrases look similar to the word prudence. These are called cognates, which are often formed when two words have the same root or language of origin. Cognates are when two words in different languages look and sound similar, and also have the same meaning. This list of translations of prudence is provided by Word Sense.
According to Etymonline, the word prudence has been used since mid-14c to mean intelligence and discretion, as well as practical wisdom. This is known as one of the four cardinal values. This word comes from the 13c Old French prudence and Latin prudentia. This is a contraction of the Latin providentia meaning foresight. The meaning of prudence to mean knowledge or science is preserved in the word jurisprudence.
How can the word prudence be used in a sentence?
The word prudence can be used in many different ways in the English language. Using words in a sentence is a great way to remember their definitions and add them to your vocabulary. You can also try making quizzes or flashcards for yourself to test your knowledge of different English words. Try using this word of the day in a sentence today! Below are a few examples of prudence to get you started.
The student at Princeton University had great prudence at the given time – she was an eager learner who used her practical judgment to gain insight, prepare for class, avoid vicious actions and take appropriate actions, and find success.
Her general sense of prudence and careful attitude were a natural virtue. She was great at keeping secret information. Her sister, however, had a lack of caution and confidentiality as her main trait.
The women committed an act of prudence and with their careful good judgment, gave charitable donations to the servants. The servants did difficult tasks gathering various goods, and the women had such judgment that they thought they deserved the money.
What are synonyms and antonyms of prudence?
There are many different words that have the same meaning as the word prudence. These are called synonyms, which can be used interchangeably with the word prudence. Learning synonyms is a great way to improve your English vocabulary. You can also use synonyms to add variety to your writing. This list of synonyms of prudence is provided by Power Thesaurus.
savvy
cautiousness
care
parsimoniousness
discreetness
circumspection
chariness
delicacy
sagaciousness
wariness
moderation
moderateness
forehandedness
providence
economizing
intelligence
considerateness
guardedness
logic
longsightedness
sense
alertness
reasonableness
wisdom
deliberation
horse sense
sanity
levelheadedness
conservatism
discrimination
pragmatism
foresightedness
stinginess
precaution
parsimony
attentiveness
restraint
sound judgment
tact
good judgment
forethought
planning
good sense
scrimping
shrewdness
perception
forethoughtfulness
careful budgeting
reason
sagacity
discretion
thoughtfulness
judgment
foresight
far-sightedness
diplomacy
vigilance
thrift
policy
canniness
delicatesse
conservation
carefulness
astuteness
austerity
attention
common sense
watchfulness
caution
saving
rationality
farsightedness
advisability
clear thinking
abstemiousness
judiciousness
percipience
diligence
practicality
temperance
sensibleness
good management
economy
clear mind
husbandry
perspicacity
frugality
judgement
sparingness
calculation
heed
discernment
self-denial
acumen
sophrosyne
thriftiness
heedfulness
economies
preparedness
austerities
There are also many different words that have the opposite meaning as prudence. These opposite words are called antonyms, which are another easy way to expand your vocabulary. These antonyms of prudence are also provided by Power Thesaurus.
injudiciousness
imprudence
indiscretion
foolery
lunacy
wildness
absurdity
idiocy
silliness
spending
carrying-on
inattention
nonchalance
sloppiness
candour
complete transparency
unreasonableness
dereliction
weakness
honesty
daftness
conversation
obliquity
indifference
luxury
imprecision
abruptness
bully pulpit
cognizance
rubbish
authenticity
clarity
bluntness
inadvisability
communication
ludicrousness
poppycock
triviality
tommyrot
unsoundness
inaccuracy
apple sauce
acknowledgement
correctness
academentia
imbecility
blanket of indifference
paranoia
unwiseness
neglectfulness
cripple
twaddle
vice
candor
brainlessness
dottiness
clearness
lack of care
brightness
bringing to light
confession
abandonment
haphazardness
insensibility
haste
folly
bad judgment
squandering
extravagance
witlessness
preposterousness
impulsiveness
profligacy
recklessness
irresponsibility
carelessness
incaution
impracticality
neglect
senselessness
unconcern
inanity
heedlessness
unwariness
ignorance
stupidity
foolishness
inattentiveness
fatuity
thoughtlessness
negligence
bunk
irrationality
disregard
claptrap
madness
craziness
rashness
insanity
mistake
Overall, the word prudence means having good judgment and wisdom. This is known as one of the four cardinal virtues. The word Prudence is also used as a first name. This name is not very popular in modern day, but may make a comeback like other antique names.
Kevin Miller is a growth marketer with an extensive background in Search Engine Optimization, paid acquisition and email marketing. He is also an online editor and writer based out of Los Angeles, CA. He studied at Georgetown University, worked at Google and became infatuated with English Grammar and for years has been diving into the language, demystifying the do's and don'ts for all who share the same passion! He can be found online here.