Word
prudence
Phoneticspru·dence, stress on the first syllable
US/ˈpɹudəns/
UK/pɹˈuːdəns/
Uncountable noun
Definition
n. the quality of being careful and making wise decisions to avoid risks. It means thinking about the future before you act.
n. the ability to govern and discipline oneself by the use of reason; sagacity or shrewdness in the management of affairs. Often associated with financial or political caution.
Examples
“She showed great prudence by saving her money for a rainy day.”
“The board exercised financial prudence by cutting unnecessary costs before the economic downturn began.”
“While some viewed his hesitation as a lack of resolve, his supporters argued it was a necessary act of political prudence in a volatile climate.”
Examples
simple
“She showed great prudence by saving her money for a rainy day.”
contextual
“The board exercised financial prudence by cutting unnecessary costs before the economic downturn began.”
complex
“While some viewed his hesitation as a lack of resolve, his supporters argued it was a necessary act of political prudence in a volatile climate.”
Usage
Frequently paired with the verb 'exercise' or 'show'.
Real-World Examples
“It will mean taking whatever action we can to help people while also making sure we apply the highest degree of prudence to the running of the economy.” “The dinner also came just hours after Chinese state media reported Xi had, behind closed doors, advised Washington to handle "with prudence" its approach to Taiwan.” Word family
NOUN
ADJECTIVE
- Exam level
- CambridgeCambridgeCambridge English QualificationsThe exam suite from Cambridge University Press & Assessment, from A1 Movers up to C2 Proficiency. The benchmark names double as CEFR labels.C1 AdvancedIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.7.0–8.0TOEFL iBTTOEFL iBTTest of English as a Foreign Language, Internet-Based TestETS's academic English test, the standard route for US university admissions. Scored 0–120, with a 1–6 scale since 2026.1–6 scale: 5.0–5.595–113TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.945–990
- Frequency
- Occasional
- Level
- C1 · Advanced
- Updated
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