Vocabulary in context
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Prudent
Careful; using good judgment and foresight.
adjectiveCheck this word before you leave
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Imagine This
A kid is looking at a box full of prunes and notices that some prunes are dented, so he asks his grandpa why. 'Prunes need to be handled really carefully or they will dent,' replied his grandpa.
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Sounds Like
PROOD-uhnt
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Looks Like
Looks like prune + dent
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Remember This
Prudential is a large insurance and financial services company whose logo features a rock, symbolizing solidity and reliability.
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Other Forms
prudencenoun
prudentadjective
prudentlyadverb
prudentialadjective
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Connect With
prudence, foresight, caution, judiciousness, sagacity
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Note
Prudent is the positive form meaning careful and wise; its opposite is imprudent. Prudential is a distinct term used for a financial company and related adjective; avoid confusing the two.
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Study Deeper
Examples
- It is prudent to save a portion of your income for emergencies.
- Investors made a prudent choice by diversifying their portfolio.
Synonyms
wisecautiousjudicioussensiblediscreet
Antonyms
recklessimprudentcareless
Etymology
From Latin prudentia 'foresight, prudence', via Old French prudent, from prudent- 'foreseeing', from provident- 'to foresee' (to foresee or provide).
Mnemonic
PRUDENT: Plan, Review options, Use caution, Decide carefully, Evaluate consequences, Notice details, Think ahead.
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Similar Words
Related words and words with the same part of speech.
Abstruse
adjectiveDifficult to understand; obscure or highly complex.
Accidental
adjectiveHappening by chance or without deliberate planning; not intended. In music, it is also a noun for a symbol that temporarily alters a pitch.
Acerbic
adjectiveSharp or biting in tone or taste; caustic or mordant in manner.
Acquiescent
adjectiveReady to agree or approve without protest; compliant.
Adamant
adjectiveRigid in opinion or purpose; not willing to change one's mind or position.
Adept
adjectiveHaving or showing a high level of skill or proficiency; very capable.
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