prudent
Adjective
Medium difficulty
What does “prudent” mean?
adjective.acting with or showing care and thought for the future.
SAT Usage
this term often appears in passages discussing financial decisions, personal choices, or strategic planning. It emphasizes careful consideration and foresight in decision-making, distinguishing itself from similar words like "cautious," which may suggest an excessive avoidance of risk rather than a balanced approach to future consequences.
Common Confusions
Prudent implies careful consideration for future consequences, while cautious usually suggests a reluctance to take risks that may hinder progress or decision-making.
Do not choose prudent if the context emphasizes recklessness or impulsiveness rather than acting with or showing care and thought for the future.
Example Sentences
-
It was prudent to arrive early given the bad traffic.