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adj. 1. Careful or wise in handling practical matters; exercising good judgment or common sense: a prudent manager of money. 2. Characterized by or resulting from care or wisdom in practical matters or in planning for the future: a prudent investment. [Middle English, from Old French, from Latin prūdēns, prūdent-, contraction of prōvidēns, present participle of prōvidēre, to provide for; see PROVIDE.] prudence (prdns) n. prudent·ly adv. |
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