prudence

UK: /ˈpruːd^əns/ US: /ˈprudəns/ ,(pro̅o̅d′ns)

WordReference Random House Learner's Dictionary of American English © 2025

pru•dence /ˈprudəns/  n. [uncountable]

1. the state or condition of being careful or wise in practical affairs.

WordReference Random House Unabridged Dictionary of American English © 2025

pru•dence  (pro̅o̅d′ns), n. 

1. the quality or fact of being prudent.
2. caution with regard to practical matters;
   discretion.
3. regard for one's own interests.
4. provident care in the management of resources;
   economy;
   frugality.

• Latin prūdentia. See prudent, -ence
• Middle French
• Middle English 1300–50

Synonyms

• 1. Prudence, calculation, foresight, forethought imply attempted provision against possible contingencies.
  Prudence is care, caution, and good judgment, as well as wisdom in looking ahead:
  sober prudence in handling one's affairs.
  Calculation suggests a disposition to get a large return for as small an outlay as possible and willingness to benefit at the expense of others:
  cold calculation.
  Foresight implies a prudent looking ahead rather far into the future:
  clear foresight in planning.
  Forethought emphasizes the adequacy of preparation for the future:
  Careful forethought helped him deal with the emergency.

Antonyms

• 1. rashness.

Pru•dence  (pro̅o̅d′ns), n. 

1. a female given name.

Collins Concise English Dictionary © HarperCollins Publishers::

prudence / ˈpruːdəns/ noun

1. caution in practical affairs; discretion or circumspection
2. care taken in the management of one's resources
3. consideration for one's own interests
4. the condition or quality of being prudent