ˈprüd ə n(t)s noun
( -s )
Etymology: Middle English, from Middle French, from Latin prudentia, alteration of providentia foresight, providence — more at providence
: the quality or state of being prudent: as
a. : wisdom shown in the exercise of reason, forethought, and self-control
the blessed virtue of prudence — Liturgical Arts
b. : sagacity or shrewdness in the management of affairs (as of government or business) shown in the skillful selection, adaptation, and use of means to a desired end : discretion
acted with considerable prudence — W.M.Thackeray
the hard prudence of statesmen — G.M.Trevelyan
c. : providence in the use of resources : economy , frugality
wealth due to prudence during prosperous times
the prudence and economic value of the extended coverage — J.V.Herd
d. : attentiveness to possible hazard or disadvantage : circumspection , caution
prudence not to go … unescorted — W.A.Swanberg
conservative from prudence — T.S.Eliot
prudence dictated by self-regard — Felix Frankfurter
Synonyms:
prudence , providence , foresight , forethought , and discretion can apply in common to a quality in a person that enables him to choose a sensible course, especially in managing his practical affairs. prudence , the most comprehensive, implies a habitual deliberateness, caution, and circumspection in action
she had not prudence enough to hold her tongue before the servants — Jane Austen
we can dream that the future will realize all our hopes, though prudence might suggest that as it is not yet born, it is too early to baptize it — W.R.Inge
man is believed to show the highest degree of pecuniary prudence, scheming craftily to get the most for his money at every turn — C.E.Ayres
providence implies thought for and provision in advance for the difficulties and needs of the future
enough providence to save something out of one's pay for emergencies
foresight stresses the ability to divine and prepare for what is going to happen
not want of feeling so much as want of foresight. They will not look ahead. A famine ceasing, a rebellion crushed, they jog on as before — George Meredith
it is essential to remember … that no man, whatever his diplomatic genius and foresight, can conceive the future — Hilaire Belloc
forethought suggests due consideration for contingencies
forethought, which involves doing unpleasant things now for the sake of pleasant things in the future — Bertrand Russell
dry clothes … which … forethought had provided — B.A.Williams
discretion implies such qualities as good judgment, caution, and self-control that make for prudence or prudent action
she administered her little patrimony and her savings with shrewd discretion and had enough put by for any number of rainy days that might occur — Gamaliel Bradford
permitted her sympathy to outrun her discretion
to administer public funds with fairness and discretion