Imprudent
/ɪmˈpruː.dənt/noun
Lacking good judgment, foresight, or care in practical decisions.
Did you know?Imprudent is built from the same ancient “seeing” root behind vision and wisdom, linking good judgment linguistically with the ability to perceive what lies ahead.
Etymological Timeline
Proto-Indo-European
PIE
*weyd-
“To see, perceive, or know”
Classical Latin
Latin
vidēre
“To see”
Classical Latin
Latin
prōvidēre
“To foresee; literally, to see ahead”
Classical Latin
Latin
prūdēns
“Foreseeing, prudent, wise; a shortened form related to providens”
Classical Latin
Latin
imprūdēns
“Not foreseeing; lacking judgment”
16th Century
English
imprudent
“Not prudent; lacking foresight or discretion”