Definition of: prudent

(prd′nt) adjective
1. Habitually careful to avoid errors and in following the most politic and profitable course; cautious; worldly-wise.
2. Exercising sound judgment; sagacious; judicious.
3. Characterized by practical wisdom or discretion; not extravagant.
4. Decorously discreet: a prudent maiden. [<OF <L prudens, -entis knowing, skilled, contraction of providens. See PROVIDENCE.]
—pru′dent·ly adverb Synonyms: careful, cautious, circumspect, considerate, discreet, economical, frugal, judicious, politic, provident, sagacious, thoughtful, thrifty, wary, wise. See POLITIC. Compare synonyms for PRUDENCE. Antonyms: audacious, daring, desperate, foolhardy, foolish, imprudent, indiscreet, rash, reckless, spendthrift, thoughtless, unwary.