Prudent

mediumPositive tone

PROO-dunt

adjective

Definition

Acting with or showing care and thought for the future

Memory hook

PRU-DENT: A prudent person avoids a DENT in their savings -- wise and careful with decisions.

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Word roots

prudenswise, foreseeing(Latin)

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Examples

It would be prudent to save money for emergencies.
The prudent investor diversified her portfolio.

Test yourself

Fill in the blank with the right word:

It would be ______ to save money for emergencies.
Show answer

prudent

Synonyms

Antonyms

recklessimprudentrashimpetuous

Categories

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GRE Tip

Prudent is a medium-difficulty GRE word. On the GRE, you might see it paired with synonyms like "judicious" or "cautious" in Sentence Equivalence questions. Look for contrast clues (however, despite, although) that signal the opposite meaning. Words like "reckless".

Read: How to Memorize GRE Words That Actually Stick

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