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prudently
/ˈpruːdəntli/
carefully and wisely
She invested her savings prudently, avoiding high-risk stocks.
She invested her money carefully and wisely, choosing safer options to protect her savings.
formal
Acting with or showing care, wisdom, and good judgment in practical matters.
The company prudently allocated funds to both expansion and emergency reserves.
The company wisely divided its money between growing the business and saving for unexpected needs.
He prudently checked the weather forecast before setting out on his journey.
He carefully looked at the weather forecast to make a smart decision about traveling.
Often used to describe actions that avoid unnecessary risks or mistakes.
Collocations
act prudentlyto behave in a careful and sensible wayinvest prudentlyto put money into something after careful consideration
Pro Tip
Use 'prudently' for formal or written contexts
While 'carefully' or 'wisely' can replace 'prudently' in many situations, 'prudently' adds a formal tone. Use it in reports, academic writing, or professional advice to sound more sophisticated.
Gold Rule
Avoid overusing 'prudently'
Since 'prudently' is a formal word, reserve it for situations where caution and wisdom are key. Overusing it in everyday speech may sound unnatural or pretentious.
Word Origin
From Latin *prūdēns*, the present participle of *prōvidēre* ('to foresee, provide for'), meaning 'wise' or 'sensible'. The adverb form entered English in the late 16th century, derived from the adjective *prudent*.
Usage Notes
Used in formal contexts to emphasize thoughtful, cautious decision-making. Avoid using it in casual speech where simpler terms like 'carefully' or 'wisely' may suffice.
Word Breakdown
prudent
wise and careful
root-ly
turns an adjective into an adverb
suffixEnglish Dictionary