prudent
PROO-dent · adjective
Showing careful judgment about future consequences.
Memory connection
Picture “prudent ant”
A prudent ant checks the route, weather, and weight of every crumb before crossing a wet sink.
The sound cue helps you reach the scene; the action in the scene carries you from the scene to the definition.
Use it accurately
Meaning in context
Keeping an emergency reserve was a prudent decision for the small organization.
It would be prudent to confirm the schedule before buying a nonrefundable ticket.
Prudent choices are sensible because they account for risk and long-term consequences. The word is usually approving rather than timid.
Common patterns
- a prudent decision
- consider it prudent
- financially prudent
Quick check
Can you retrieve the meaning?
Which action is prudent before a winter drive?
Choose an answer, then explain it in your own words.