WordValeprudent
acting with care and thought for the future
showing care for the future
In more detail
1. (adjective) showing good judgment and careful thought; avoiding unnecessary risks
2. (adjective) careful with money; not wasteful
Examples
- 1. It was prudent of her to save money before buying a house.
- 2. A prudent investor doesn't spend all their earnings at once.
How to use prudent
Prudent describes someone or something marked by careful judgment and avoidance of unnecessary risk, often in financial or strategic contexts. It carries a positive connotation of wisdom and foresight, suggesting not just caution but intelligent caution. It is more formal than careful and implies principled restraint rather than mere timidity.
Common phrases
- prudent decision
- prudent approach
- prudent investment
- prudent management
- show prudence
Synonyms
cautious · careful · judicious · wise · sensible
Opposites
reckless · extravagant · wasteful
Word family
prudence (noun) · prudently (adverb) · imprudent (adjective)
A common mistake
Learners sometimes confuse prudent with prudish; prudent means sensible and careful, while prudish means excessively modest or easily shocked about sexual matters.
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