noun
prudence
PROO-duns/ˈpruːdns/
Good judgment that avoids unnecessary risk.
The carpenter shows prudence by checking the ladder's stability before climbing.
Etymology
Latin prudentia connects practical judgment with foresight, ultimately the idea of looking ahead. Prudence is thus care guided by anticipating consequences, rather than simply reluctance to take risks.
In context
The same unusual prudence compelled him to leap out of a taxi-cab as soon as he had leapt into it. For himself he did not care, but he had to be careful for Sisily's sake.
More examples
- The icy roads call for prudence behind the wheel.
- Exercise prudence before sharing personal information online.
- Out of prudence, we check the forecast before hiking.
Forms
prudent adjective — Showing good judgment about possible risks.
prudently adverb — With good judgment about possible risks.
Similar words
- caution
- Emphasizes avoiding danger rather than making sound decisions overall.
- discretion
- Emphasizes judging what is appropriate, especially with sensitive matters.
- foresight
- Emphasizes anticipating future needs or consequences before acting.