adj
Uncommon
prudent
PROO-duhnt
Prudent (adj) means Careful and sensible, especially about avoiding unnecessary risk. Example: “It would be prudent to back up your files before updating the software.”
adj
1
Careful and sensible, especially about avoiding unnecessary risk.
"It would be prudent to back up your files before updating the software."
"She made a prudent decision to leave the party early."
How to use prudent
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishSensible and cautious, thinking ahead before acting.
Common mistake
Not related to "prude," despite looking similar — prudent is about wisdom and caution, not modesty.
Easily confused with
Common pairings
a prudent choice
prudent investment
seems prudent
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Word forms
- Comparative
- more prudent
- Superlative
- most prudent
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
It would be _____ to back up your files before updating the software.
Etymology
From Old French prudent, from Latin prudens, a contraction of providens, "foreseeing" — related to providence.
Antonyms
Related words
Rhymes for prudent
See all rhymes for prudent →Frequently asked questions
What does “prudent” mean?
The word “prudent” means careful and sensible, especially about avoiding unnecessary risk. In plain terms, sensible and cautious, thinking ahead before acting.
How do you pronounce “prudent”?
“Prudent” is pronounced PROO-duhnt (/ˈpɹu.dənt/ in IPA).
How do you use “prudent” in a sentence?
Here is “prudent” used in a sentence: “It would be prudent to back up your files before updating the software.”
What is the opposite of “prudent”?
The opposite of “prudent” — its antonyms — are imprudent and incontinent.
What part of speech is “prudent”?
“Prudent” is an adjective.
Where does the word “prudent” come from?
The word “prudent” comes from Latin. From Old French prudent, from Latin prudens, a contraction of providens, "foreseeing" — related to providence.
Is “prudent” a common word?
“Prudent” is an uncommon word in modern English.
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