prudence
Definitions
The quality of being careful and sensible, especially in showing good judgment about the future
审慎，谨慎；（对未来有判断力的）明智
Root Breakdown
Root-derivedprud (foreseeing, from prūdens) + -ence (state/quality) = 'the quality of foresight.' Prudence is the noun for what a prudent person has: the practical wisdom to look ahead, weigh consequences, and act sensibly.
Root prud still carries 5 more wordsWhy It Means This
Prudence was once the queen of the virtues. In classical and Christian ethics it was a 'cardinal virtue' — the master virtue, because it is the practical know-how of choosing rightly in real situations, which all the other virtues depend on. Modern English has shrunk it: today prudence most often means plain caution, especially with money (fiscal prudence). But its core is still that old idea — the wisdom to see ahead and choose well.
Common Collocations
- 1.fiscal prudence财政审慎
- 2.financial prudence财务上的审慎
- 3.exercise prudence审慎行事
- 4.with prudence审慎地
- 5.a measure of prudence几分谨慎
Example Sentences
- 1.
She handled the negotiations with great prudence and tact.
- 2.
Financial prudence kept the company stable during the downturn.
Synonym Comparison
- prudence — careful, forward-looking good judgment
- caution — wariness about danger; more about hesitation than judgment
- discretion — good judgment about what to say or do, especially keeping things private
- foresight — the bare ability to predict and prepare for the future
- wisdom — broad, deep good judgment based on experience