adj
prudent
PROO-duhnt
adj
1
Careful and sensible, especially about avoiding unnecessary risk.
"It would be prudent to back up your files before updating the software."
"She made a prudent decision to leave the party early."
How to Use Prudent
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishSensible and cautious, thinking ahead before acting.
Common mistake
Not related to "prude," despite looking similar — prudent is about wisdom and caution, not modesty.
Easily confused with
Common pairings
a prudent choice
prudent investment
seems prudent
Word Forms
more prudent comparative, most prudent superlative
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It would be _____ to back up your files before updating the software.
Etymology
From Old French prudent, from Latin prudens, a contraction of providens, "foreseeing" — related to providence.