prudent
- 01 C1 Advanced
showing care and good judgement when making decisions, especially to avoid risks.
demonstrating sound judgement and foresight in practical affairs; circumspect.
Simple“It would be prudent to save some money for emergencies instead of spending it all.”
In context“Given the volatility of the current market, the board decided that a prudent approach to expansion would be most beneficial for long-term stability.”
- 02 C1 Advanced
careful with money and not wasting it.
characterised by or proceeding from care and wisdom in the management of resources; frugal.
Simple“A prudent shopper compares prices at different stores before buying expensive electronics.”
In context“The administration's prudent management of the endowment ensured that student scholarships remained funded even during the economic downturn.”
SynonymsAntonyms
From Middle English prudent, from Old French prudent, from Latin prūdēns, contracted from prōvidēns (“foresight”) (English providence), the past participle of prōvideō (“I forsee”). Unrelated to prude. Doublet of provident.
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.