I. prüˈdenchəl adjective
Etymology: Latin prudentia prudence + English -al
1. : of, relating to, or proceeding from prudence
the use of prudential in addition to scientific judgment — David Easton
code of prudential morality — Saturday Review
the prudential timidity of their … representative — W.L.Sperry
2. : exercising prudence : having administrative discretion especially in business matters
some churches turn over their business affairs to prudential committees
• pru·den·tial·ly -chəlē, -li adverb
II. noun
( -s )
1. : a matter involving the exercise of administrative or financial discretion — usually used in plural
the prudentials of the college
2. archaic : a prudential consideration — usually used in plural
prudentials restrain him — Daniel Defoe