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Definition of prudent - 4 dictionary results

pru⋅dent

  [prood-nt]
Use prudent in a Sentence
–adjective
1. wise or judicious in practical affairs; sagacious; discreet or circumspect; sober.
2. careful in providing for the future; provident: a prudent decision.
Origin:
1350–1400; ME < L prūdent- (s. of prūdēns), contr. of prōvidēns provident

Related forms:
pru⋅dent⋅ly, adverb

Synonyms:
1. sensible. 2. economical, thrifty, frugal.
Dictionary.com Unabridged
Based on the Random House Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2009.
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pru·dent   (prōōd'nt)   
adj.  
  1. Wise in handling practical matters; exercising good judgment or common sense.
  2. Careful in regard to one's own interests; provident.
  3. Careful about one's conduct; circumspect.

[Middle English, from Old French, from Latin prūdēns, prūdent-, contraction of prōvidēns, present participle of prōvidēre, to provide for; see provide.]
pru'dent·ly adv.
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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Prudent

Pru"dent\, a. [L. prudens, -entis, contr. from providens: cf. F. prudent. See Provident.]

1. Sagacious in adapting means to ends; circumspect in action, or in determining any line of conduct; practically wise; judicious; careful; discreet; sensible; -- opposed to rash; as, a prudent man; dictated or directed by prudence or wise forethought; evincing prudence; as, prudent behavior.

Moses established a grave and prudent law. --Milton.

2. Frugal; economical; not extravagant; as, a prudent woman; prudent expenditure of money.

Syn: Cautious; wary; circumspect; considerate; discreet; judicious; provident; economical; frugal.
Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary, © 1996, 1998 MICRA, Inc.
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Language Translation for : prudent
Spanish: prudente,
German: klug,
Japanese: 慎重な
More Translations »

Main Entry: pru·dent
Pronunciation: 'prüd-&nt
Function: adjective
: characterized by, arising from, or showing prudence —pru·dent·ly adverb
Merriam-Webster's Dictionary of Law, © 1996 Merriam-Webster, Inc.
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