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Webster 1913 Edition


Prudence

Pru′dence

,
Noun.
[F., fr. L.
prudentia
, contr. from
providentia
. See
Prudent
, and cf.
Providence
.]
The quality or state of being prudent; wisdom in the way of caution and provision; discretion; carefulness; hence, also, economy; frugality.
Prudence
is principally in reference to actions to be done, and due means, order, seasons, and method of doing or not doing.
Sir M. Hale.
Prudence
supposes the value of the end to be assumed, and refers only to the adaptation of the means. It is the relation of right means for given ends.
Whewell.
Syn. – Wisdom; forecast; providence; considerateness; judiciousness; discretion; caution; circumspection; judgment. See
Wisdom
.

Webster 1828 Edition


Prudence

PRU'DENCE

,
Noun.
[L. prudentia.] Wisdom applied to practice.
Prudence implies caution in deliberating and consulting on the most suitable means to accomplish valuable purposes, and the exercise of sagacity in discerning and selecting them. Prudence differs from wisdom in this, that prudence implies more caution and reserve than wisdom, or is exercised more in foreseeing and avoiding evil, than in devising and executing that which is good. It is sometimes mere caution or circumspection.
Prudence is principally in reference to actions to be done, and due means, order, season and method of doing or not doing.

Definition 2024


Prudence

Prudence

See also: prudence

English

Proper noun

Prudence

  1. A female given name, one of the Puritan virtue names.

Related terms

Translations

prudence

prudence

See also: Prudence

English

Noun

prudence (countable and uncountable, plural prudences)

  1. The quality or state of being prudent; wisdom in the way of caution and provision; discretion; carefulness; hence, also, economy; frugality.
    • 1876, Samuel Austin Allibone, Prose Quotations from Socrates to Macaulay, J.B. Lippincott, page 597,
      Prudence is principally in reference to actions to be done, and due means, order, seasons, and method of doing or not doing. - Sir Matthew Hale.
      Prudence supposes the value of the end to be assumed, and refers only to the adaptation of the means. It is the relation of right means for given ends. - William Whewell.

Synonyms

Antonyms

Translations


French

Etymology

From Latin prudentia, contrast from providentia. See prudent, and confer providence.

Pronunciation

Noun

prudence f (plural prudences)

  1. Prudence, caution, care