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prudence
(redirected from prudences)

   Also found in: Medical, Legal, Encyclopedia, Wikipedia 0.01 sec.
pru·dence  (prdns)
n.
1. The state, quality, or fact of being prudent.
2. Careful management; economy.
Synonyms: prudence, discretion, foresight, forethought, circumspection
These nouns refer to the exercise of good judgment, common sense, and even caution, especially in the conduct of practical matters. Prudence is the most comprehensive: "She had been forced into prudence in her youth, she learned romance as she grew older" (Jane Austen).
Discretion suggests wise self-restraint, as in resisting a rash impulse: "The better part of valor is discretion" (Shakespeare).
Foresight implies the ability to foresee and make provision for what may happen: She had the foresight to make backups of her computer files.
Forethought suggests advance consideration of future eventualities: The empty refrigerator indicated a lack of forethought.
Circumspection implies discretion, as out of concern for moral or social repercussions: "The necessity of the times, more than ever, calls for our utmost circumspection" (Samuel Adams).

prudence [ˈpruːdəns]
n
1. caution in practical affairs; discretion or circumspection
2. care taken in the management of one's resources
3. consideration for one's own interests
4. the condition or quality of being prudent

Prudence of vicars: vicars collectivelyBk. of St. Albans, 1486.
ThesaurusLegend:  Synonyms Related Words Antonyms
Noun1.prudence - discretion in practical affairs
natural virtue - (scholasticism) one of the four virtues (prudence, justice, fortitude, and temperance) derived from nature
discernment, discretion - the trait of judging wisely and objectively; "a man of discernment"
providence - the prudence and care exercised by someone in the management of resources
frugality, frugalness - prudence in avoiding waste
imprudence - a lack of caution in practical affairs
2.prudence - knowing how to avoid embarrassment or distress; "the servants showed great tact and discretion"
sagaciousness, sagacity, discernment, judgement, judgment - the mental ability to understand and discriminate between relations
confidentiality - discretion in keeping secret information

prudence
noun
1. caution, care, discretion, vigilance, wariness, circumspection, canniness, heedfulness He urged prudence rather than haste on any new resolution.
2. wisdom, common sense, good sense, good judgment, sagacity, judiciousness acting with prudence and judgement
3. thrift, economy, planning, saving, precaution, foresight, providence, preparedness, good management, husbandry, frugality, forethought, economizing, far-sightedness, careful budgeting A lack of prudence may lead to financial problems.
Quotations
"I would rather worry without need than live without heed" [Beaumarchais The Barber of Seville]
"Prudence is a rich, ugly, old maid courted by incapacity" [William Blake Proverbs of Hell]
Proverbs
"Take care of the pennies and the pounds will look after themselves"
"A stitch in time saves nine"
"Waste not, want not"
Translations
prudence [ˈpruːdəns] Nprudencia f
prudence [ˈpruːdəns] nprudence f
prudence
n (of person)Umsicht f; (of measure, action, decision)Klugheit f; (of answer)Überlegtheit f; simple prudence should have made you stopder gesunde Menschenverstand hätte Sie davon abbringen müssen
prudence [ˈpruːdns] nprudenza


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