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Prudence Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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prudence

[ˈpruːdəns ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Noun

use of good judgment

Prudence is the ability to make wise decisions based on careful thought and good sense. It involves considering the possible consequences of actions before taking them.

Synonyms

caution, judgment, wisdom.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
prudence

When referring to the quality of being careful and sensible, especially to avoid unnecessary risks.

  • She handled the situation with prudence, assessing every potential outcome before making a decision
caution

Used when emphasizing the act of being careful to avoid danger or mistakes.

  • Exercise caution when walking on icy sidewalks
judgment

When referring to the ability to make considered decisions or come to sensible conclusions.

  • His judgment on the matter was highly respected by his peers
wisdom

Used when highlighting the quality of having experience, knowledge, and good judgment.

  • Her wisdom in financial matters saved the company from potential bankruptcy

Examples of usage

  • Her prudence in saving money allowed her to buy a house at a young age.
  • Prudence dictated that he wait for more information before making a decision.
Context #2 | Noun

virtue

In ethics, prudence is considered a virtue that involves the ability to govern and discipline oneself by the use of reason. It is one of the cardinal virtues.

Synonyms

discernment, discretion, sagacity.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
prudence

Used when highlighting the quality of being careful and wise in making decisions to avoid unnecessary risks.

  • His prudence in financial matters has saved the company from several crises.
  • Prudence dictated that they wait for more favorable weather before setting sail.
discernment

Best used when referring to the ability to judge well and make insightful decisions, often about people or situations.

  • She showed great discernment in choosing her business partners.
  • The judge's discernment was evident in his fair verdict.
sagacity

Refers to profound wisdom and the ability to make sound decisions, often used to describe someone who is particularly wise or insightful.

  • Her sagacity in solving complex problems is well-known in the industry.
  • The sagacity of the old man in guiding the village was respected by all.
discretion

Appropriate when emphasizing the quality of behaving or speaking in such a way as to avoid causing offense or revealing private information.

  • Please handle this information with discretion.
  • The diplomat's discretion in delicate matters was commendable.

Examples of usage

  • Prudence dictates that one should think before acting impulsively.
  • The wise leader demonstrated prudence in his decision-making.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Interesting Facts

Philosophy

  • Prudence is regarded as one of the four cardinal virtues in philosophy, alongside justice, fortitude, and temperance.
  • Philosophers like Aristotle suggested that prudence helps in making moral choices by balancing desire and rational thinking.
  • In Stoic thought, prudence is essential for living a good life and aligns closely with self-control.

Literature

  • In many fables, characters exhibit or lack prudence, illustrating the consequences of choices made without careful thought.
  • Literature often portrays prudent characters as wise mentors or guides, like Gandalf from 'The Lord of the Rings,' who advises caution.
  • The term appears in classic writings, often indicating a character's superior judgment in navigating life’s challenges.

Everyday Life

  • In personal finance, being prudent means saving money for future needs and avoiding unnecessary expenses.
  • In healthcare, prudence can refer to making informed decisions about lifestyle choices that impact long-term health.
  • Prudent behavior in driving means obeying traffic laws and being cautious to ensure safety for oneself and others.

Psychology

  • Research shows that individuals who consistently demonstrate prudence often have lower stress levels as they manage risk effectively.
  • Prudence is linked to the concept of delay gratification, which is crucial for achieving long-term goals.
  • Studies indicate that prudence can correlate with higher emotional intelligence, as it reflects careful consideration of actions and their impacts.

Origin of 'prudence'

Main points about word origin

  • The word comes from the Latin 'prudentia,' meaning foresight or wisdom.
  • In Old French, 'prudence' meant carefulness or wisdom in actions and decisions.
  • The root word relates to a variety of terms in many languages that express caution or shrewdness.

The word 'prudence' originated from the Latin word 'prudentia', meaning foresight or sagacity. It has been used in English since the 14th century to describe the quality of being cautious and wise in decision-making.

See also: imprudent.

Word Frequency Rank

Position #8,997 indicates this is an advanced-level word. While not essential for basic communication, it will enhance your ability to understand and create more nuanced content.