Prudent

Part of speech: adjective

Pronunciation: /ˈpɹuːdənt/

Definitions

1. Showing careful judgment and caution in making decisions to avoid unnecessary risk or harm
2. Demonstrating wisdom and foresight in choices to prevent potential pitfalls or losses
3. Exhibiting careful consideration and sound judgment in actions to mitigate risks and enhance outcomes

Etymology: "Prudent" began as a contraction. Latin "prūdēns" was shortened from "prōvidēns," the present participle of "prōvideō," meaning "to foresee" or "to provide for." So the word's core idea is looking ahead, which is why it sits so close to "providence" in English, the two words sharing a common ancestor in that Latin verb. The word reached English through Old French "prudent," passing into Middle English before displacing the native Old English word "glēaw," which meant something like wise or skilled. English thus swapped a homegrown term for a Latin-derived one, and the Old English word did not survive into modern use. "Prudent" is also a doublet of "provident," the two entering English by different routes from the same Latin source, and it is unrelated to "prude," despite the similar sound.

Synonyms: wise, sensible, judicious, cautious, careful

Antonyms: reckless, foolish, imprudent, careless, rash