prudent

Everyday

1. Prudent means careful and sensible, thinking ahead so you avoid danger or waste. tree →
2. (formal) Prudent with money means saving and not spending carelessly. tree →

In the lessons

In everyday life and formal speech it praises careful choices: «It would be prudent to bring a coat». In money lessons it means saving for later. In stories a prudent character plans ahead. Phrases: «a prudent choice», «it is prudent to».

Examples

• It is prudent to check the weather before a hike. tree →
• A prudent squirrel stores nuts for winter. tree →
• Saving some pocket money is prudent. tree →
• (formal) It would be prudent to arrive early. tree →
• She made a prudent decision not to swim in the rough sea. tree →
• Prudent drivers slow down in the rain. tree →
• It's prudent to back up your work. tree →
• The prudent ant worked all summer. tree →
• Be prudent and patient and all will go well.' tree →

Note

Formal-ish; everyday words: sensible, careful, wise. Noun: prudence; adverb: prudently. Opposite: reckless, careless, imprudent.

In Jewish tradition

In Proverbs a prudent person thinks ahead, holds back angry words and avoids shame. The opposite of the prudent is the fool.

Interpretation. The tradition prizes the prudent as a person of good counsel and self-control. Careful speech is a mark of wisdom.

Examples

• Is counsel perished from the prudent? (Prophets JER.49.7, JPS 1917) tree →
• Every prudent man dealeth with forethought; but a fool unfoldeth folly. (Writings PRO.13.16, JPS 1917) tree →
• A fool's vexation is presently known; but a prudent man concealeth shame. (Writings PRO.12.16, JPS 1917) tree →

Note

Formal-ish; everyday words: sensible, careful, wise. Noun: prudence; adverb: prudently. Opposite: reckless, careless, imprudent.