Prudence
/ˈpruːdəns/
nounB2
Definition
Prudence is the quality of thinking carefully before you act or decide something. It means using good judgment to avoid risks and make safe, smart choices. People who show prudence plan ahead and consider the possible results of their actions.
Was this helpful?
See It in Action
Careful and wise decision-making to avoid danger or trouble
- •She showed prudence by saving money for emergencies.
- •Prudence is important when investing in the stock market.
- •His prudence helped the company avoid a big loss.
Practical good sense in everyday life
- •Parents teach children prudence to keep them safe.
- •Using prudence, he checked the weather before going hiking.
Make It Stick
- ✓Think of "prudence" like "care" (A1 word), but with a strong focus on thinking first before doing
- ✓Picture someone crossing a busy street slowly, looking both ways carefully before stepping
- ✓It's the feeling you have when you double-check your work or lock the door before leaving home
- ✓Sounds like "PRU-dence" → imagine a wise old person named "Prue" giving advice to be careful
- ✓Think of a story where a character avoids danger because they think before acting, like a cautious hero
- ✓NOT like "recklessness" (acting without care), prudence means careful and thoughtful action
- ✓NOT like "fear" (feeling scared), prudence is smart caution, not just being afraid
- ✓NOT like "risk-taking" (willing to face danger), prudence avoids unnecessary risks
Try Other Words
- •Wisdom: knowledge and good judgment (Use when emphasizing experience and understanding, not just carefulness)
- •Carefulness: paying close attention to avoid mistakes (Use when focus is on avoiding errors rather than planning)
- •Foresight: ability to see or plan for the future (Use when highlighting planning ahead)
- •Judgment: ability to make good decisions (Use when focusing on decision-making skills)
Unboxing
- •Word parts: "prud-" (from Latin "prudens" meaning wise or careful) + "-ence" (a suffix that turns adjectives into nouns, meaning quality or state)
- •Etymology: From Latin "prudentia" meaning good judgment, wisdom, or foresight
- •Historical development: Used in English since the 14th century to mean wise and careful behavior
- •Modern usage: Commonly used to describe careful thinking and wise decision-making in daily life, business, law, and personal safety
Reflect & Connect
•How can practicing prudence change the way you make decisions in your daily life?
•Can prudence sometimes stop people from taking good opportunities? When is it good to be more or less prudent?
Fill in the blanks
1.She showed prudence by ___ her options carefully before making a choice.
2.Prudence often means avoiding ___ that could cause problems later.
3.Unlike acting quickly without thought, prudence requires ___ and planning.
4.He acted with prudence when he ___ the risks before investing.
5.Using prudence, they decided to ___ the trip because of bad weather.
6.Prudence is different from fear because it is based on ___, not just worry.
7.When someone shows prudence, they usually ___ the possible results of their actions first.