Prudence
/ˈpruː.dəns/noun
The quality of being cautious and careful in decision-making.
Did you know?In ancient Rome, Prudence was not just a virtue but a goddess, embodying foresight and wisdom, guiding decisions in both life and ritual.
Etymological Timeline
Proto-Indo-European
PIE
*pruh₁-
“to foresee, to be cautious”
Latin
Latin
prudentia
“foresight, wisdom, knowledge of things to come”
Old French
Old French
prudence
“wisdom, discretion, carefulness”
14th Century
Middle English
prudence
“caution, wisdom in action”
Modern English
English
prudence
“quality of being cautious in practical affairs”
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