prudent
Showing careful good judgment and avoiding unnecessary risks
Examples
In a meeting
“It would be prudent to wait for legal approval before proceeding.”
Over coffee
“It's probably prudent to save some money before quitting your job.”
Why this word
careful
prudent implies wise forethought and judgment about future consequences, while careful only suggests avoiding mistakes in the moment
cautious
prudent emphasizes wisdom and good judgment in decision-making, while cautious focuses on avoiding risk or danger
wise
prudent specifically relates to practical judgment in managing affairs, while wise is broader and can apply to any type of sound judgment
Usage tip
Use to suggest cautious, sensible action. More formal than 'smart' but conveys both wisdom and caution.
Etymology
Latin: prudens (foreseeing) — contraction of providens (provident)
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Related words
caveat
A warning or limitation to consider
inadvisable
Not recommended; likely to have undesirable consequences
premature
Occurring before the appropriate or expected time
aphorism
A concise statement of a truth or principle
mitigate
To make something less severe, serious, or painful.
substantiate
To provide evidence to support or prove the truth of a claim.