prudent Meaning, Definition & Usage

adjective careful and sensible; marked by sound judgment
- a prudent manager
- prudent rulers
- prudent hesitation
- more prudent to hide than to fight

L. prudens, -entis, contr. from providens: cf. F. prudent. See Provident.

Sagacious in adapting means to ends; circumspect in action, or in determining any line of conduct; practically wise; judicious; careful; discreet; sensible; -- opposed to rash; as, a prudent man; dictated or directed by prudence or wise forethought; evincing prudence; as, prudent behavior.
Moses established a grave and prudent law. Milton.
Frugal; economical; not extravagant; as, a prudent woman; prudent expenditure of money. Syn. -- Cautious; wary; circumspect; considerate; discreet; judicious; provident; economical; frugal. Syn. -- sensible; careful.