- ə nt adjective
Etymology: Middle English, from Middle French, from Latin prudent-, prudens, alteration of provident-, providens, present participle of providēre to foresee, provide — more at provide
: characterized by, arising from, or showing prudence: as
a. : marked by wisdom or judiciousness
prudent rulers
prudent laws
the wise in heart shall be called prudent — Prov 16:21 (Authorized Version)
a man … of notably liberal, prudent , and humane views — Times Literary Supplement
b. : shrewd in the management of practical affairs
a prudent politician
a prudent businessman who never does anything except for a useful end — M.R.Cohen
c. : circumspect (as in conduct) : discreet , cautious
prudent hesitation — Derek Patmore
more prudent to hide than to fight — V.G.Heiser
d. : provident , frugal
the prudent use and development of … resources — D.D.Eisenhower
had been a prudent and thrifty wife — W.M.Thackeray
Synonyms: see wise