- prudence
- mid-14c., "wisdom to see what is virtuous, or what is suitable or profitable," from O.Fr. prudence (13c.), from L. prudentia "foresight, sagacity," contraction of providentia "foresight" (see providence). Secondary sense of "wisdom" (late 14c.) now only in jurisprudence (q.v.). Prudent first recorded late 14c., from O.Fr. prudent, from L. prudentem (nom. prudens) "foresighted, skilled, experienced," contraction of providens. First record of prudential is from c.1400.