1. Sagacious in adapting means to ends; circumspect in action, or in determining any line of conduct; practically wise; judicious; careful; discreet; sensible; — opposed to rash; as, a prudent man; dictated or directed by prudence or wise forethought; evincing prudence; as, prudent behavior. Moses established a grave and prudent law. Milton.
2. Frugal; economical; not extravagant; as, a prudent woman; prudent expenditure of money.
Syn. — Cautious; wary; circumspect; considerate; discreet; judicious; provident; economical; frugal.
PRUDENTIAL
Pru*den"tial, a.
1. Proceeding from, or dictated or characterized by, prudence; prudent; discreet; sometimes, selfish or pecuniary as distinguished from higher motives or influences; as, prudential motives. " A prudential line of conduct." Sir W. Scott.
2. Exercising prudence; discretionary; advisory; superintending or executive; as, a prudential committee.
PRUDENTIAL
Pru*den"tial, n.
Defn: That which relates to or demands the exercise of, discretion or prudence; — usually in the pl. Many stanzas, in poetic measures, contain rules relating to common prudentials as well as to religion. I. Watts.
PRUDENTIALIST
Pru*den"tial*ist, n.
Defn: One who is governed by, or acts from, prudential motives. [R.]
Coleridge.