prudence definition | Dictionary.com

pru⋅dence

[prood-ns]

–noun

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.

Origin:
1300–50; ME < MF < L prūdentia. See prudent, -ence

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

[prood-ns]

–noun

a female given name.

Dictionary.com Unabridged
Based on the Random House Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2009.
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Link To prudence

pru·dence (prōōd'ns)

The state, quality, or fact of being prudent.
Careful management; economy.

Synonyms: These nouns refer to the exercise of good judgment, common sense, and even caution, especially in the conduct of practical matters. Prudence is the most comprehensive: "She had been forced into prudence in her youth, she learned romance as she grew older" (Jane Austen).
Discretion suggests wise self-restraint, as in resisting a rash impulse: "The better part of valor is discretion" (Shakespeare).
Foresight implies the ability to foresee and make provision for what may happen: She had the foresight to make backups of her computer files.
Forethought suggests advance consideration of future eventualities: The empty refrigerator indicated a lack of forethought.
Circumspection implies discretion, as out of concern for moral or social repercussions: "The necessity of the times, more than ever, calls for our utmost circumspection" (Samuel Adams).

The American Heritage® Dictionary of the English Language, Fourth Edition
Copyright © 2009 by Houghton Mifflin Company.
Published by Houghton Mifflin Company. All rights reserved.
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Prudence

Pru"dence\, n. [F., fr. L. prudentia, contr. from providentia. See Prudent, and cf. Providence.] The quality or state of being prudent; wisdom in the way of caution and provision; discretion; carefulness; hence, also, economy; frugality.

Prudence is principally in reference to actions to be done, and due means, order, seasons, and method of doing or not doing. --Sir M. Hale.

Prudence supposes the value of the end to be assumed, and refers only to the adaptation of the means. It is the relation of right means for given ends. --Whewell.

Syn: Wisdom; forecast; providence; considerateness; judiciousness; discretion; caution; circumspection; judgment. See Wisdom.

Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary, © 1996, 1998 MICRA, Inc.
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Language Translation for : prudence

Spanish: prudencia,

German: die Klugheit,

Japanese: 慎重さ

More Translations »

prudence

1340, "wisdom to see what is virtuous, or what is suitable or profitable," from O.Fr. prudence (13c.), from L. prudentia "foresight, sagacity," contraction of providentia "foresight" (see providence). Secondary sense of "wisdom" (c.1375) now only in jurisprudence (q.v.). Prudent first recorded 1382, from O.Fr. prudent, from L. prudentem (nom. prudens) "foresighted, skilled, experienced," contraction of providens. First record of prudential is from c.1400.

Main Entry: pru·dence
Pronunciation: 'prüd-^&ns
Function: noun
: attentiveness to possible hazard : caution or circumspection as to danger or risk prudence>

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