What is prudent? Pronunciation and usage in English

prudent means . Learn how to pronounce and use prudent through vivid examples and easy-to-understand exercises.

Definition & pronunciation of prudent

prudentadjective

/ˈpruːdnt//ˈpruːdnt/

Okay, let's break down how to pronounce "prudent." It can be tricky for some! Here's a breakdown:

1. Syllables: "Prudent" has three syllables:

  • pro - like the word "pro" in "problem"
  • dunt - like the word "dunt" (as in, a dull thud or impact)
  • ent - like the word "went"

2. Sounds:

  • "pro": This is pronounced as /prə/ – a short, quick "uh" sound. Don't overemphasize it.
  • "dunt": This is the most crucial part. It sounds like “dunt,” not “hunt.” The “t” is soft and almost silent. It’s a unique sound in English, a quick, emphatic “d” followed by a short “uhn” sound. Try saying "duhn" quickly and lightly.
  • "ent": This is pronounced /ənt/ – a short, unstressed “uh” sound followed by “nt.”

3. Putting it together:

The whole word is roughly pronounced: “proh-dunt-ent”

Here are some helpful resources to hear the pronunciation:

Tips for practicing:

  • Slow it down: Say each syllable individually at first.
  • Focus on the “dunt” sound: Really work on the unique "duhn" sound.
  • Listen and repeat: Use the online audio resources to mimic the pronunciation.

Would you like me to:

  • Repeat the pronunciation slowly?
  • Give you some example sentences using the word "prudent"?

Usage and examples with the word prudent in English

Let's break down how to use the word "prudent" effectively in English.

1. Meaning:

"Prudent" means showing care and good judgment in thought and action. It describes someone or something that is wise, cautious, and sensible, especially in financial matters or when making important decisions. It’s about avoiding unnecessary risks and acting thoughtfully.

2. Parts of Speech:

  • Adjective: This is the most common use. You'll use it to describe a person, action, or thing.
  • Noun: Less common, but you can use it as a noun to refer to good judgment or wisdom.

3. How to Use it as an Adjective (Most Common):

Here’s how to incorporate “prudent” into sentences:

  • Describing People: “It’s prudent to listen to your advisor’s advice.” (Meaning: It’s wise to listen.)
  • Describing Actions/Decisions: “He made a prudent investment in real estate.” (Meaning: He made a wise decision concerning his investment.)
  • Describing Habits: “A prudent person will always budget their income.” (Meaning: A wise person will budget.)
  • Describing a Situation: “It's prudent to stay indoors during a hurricane.” (Meaning: It’s wise to take safety precautions.)
  • Example Combining Elements: “The company’s prudent approach to risk management ensured its long-term stability.”

4. Synonyms (Words with similar meanings):

  • Wise
  • Cautious
  • Careful
  • Sensible
  • Judicious
  • Discerning
  • Reasonable

5. Examples in Context:

  • "The old farmer was prudent in his farming practices, conserving water and using sustainable methods."
  • "She was prudent about spending her savings, saving for a rainy day.”
  • “The doctor advised him to be prudent with his medication."
  • “It's prudent to have an emergency fund.”

6. Things to Note:

  • Formal Tone: “Prudent” has a slightly formal tone. It’s more common in written English or in more serious conversations than in casual speech.
  • Emphasis on Wisdom: It's about more than just being careful; it’s about having understanding and good judgment.

7. Contrast with “Careless” or “Impulsive”:

“Prudent” is the opposite of careless, impulsive, or reckless.

Resources for Further Learning:

To help me give you even more targeted advice, could you tell me:

  • What kind of context are you thinking about using “prudent” in? (e.g., a business report, a personal anecdote, a creative writing piece?)

Synonyms for the word prudent

Practice with vocabulary prudent

Exercise 1: Fill in the blanks

  1. Given the volatile market conditions, the financial advisor recommended a __________ investment strategy.
  2. The team's __________ efforts in data collection ensured the accuracy of their research findings.
  3. It would be __________ to back up all your critical files before attempting the system upgrade.
  4. She made a __________ choice to refuse the tempting but risky offer, prioritizing her long-term career stability.

Exercise 2: Choose the correct answer (select all that apply)

  1. To avoid potential legal issues, it is always ________ to thoroughly review all contracts before signing them. a) reckless b) prudent c) impulsive d) sensible

  2. When faced with a complex ethical dilemma, a ________ approach involves considering all consequences and seeking diverse perspectives. a) haphazard b) cautious c) negligent d) prudent

  3. The manager praised her employee for being extremely ________ in double-checking the figures before submitting the financial report. a) careless b) meticulous c) slipshod d) superficial

  4. Despite the tight deadline, the project leader maintained a ________ attitude, carefully allocating resources and delegating tasks effectively. a) rash b) thoughtful c) prudent d) hasty

  5. The speaker was applauded for delivering a ________ summary of the complex topic, avoiding unnecessary jargon and long-winded explanations. a) verbose b) concise c) rambling d) succinct

Exercise 3: Rewrite the sentences

  1. It is advisable to think carefully about the potential risks before investing a large sum of money. Rewrite using "prudent": It is ____________________________________________________________________.

  2. She always makes sure to consider the long-term consequences of her decisions, which is a very wise way to act. Rewrite using a form of "prudent": Her actions demonstrate ____________________________________________________.

  3. The company was very thorough in its quality control checks, ensuring every product met the high standards. Rewrite using a suitable replacement word for "thorough": The company was very _____________________________________________________.

Answer:

Exercise 1: Fill in the blanks

  1. prudent
  2. diligent
  3. prudent
  4. sensible

Exercise 2: Choose the correct answer

  1. b) prudent, d) sensible
  2. b) cautious, d) prudent
  3. b) meticulous
  4. b) thoughtful, c) prudent
  5. b) concise, d) succinct

Exercise 3: Rewrite the sentences

  1. It is prudent to carefully consider the potential risks before investing a large sum of money.
  2. Her actions demonstrate prudence, as she always considers the long-term consequences of her decisions.
  3. The company was very meticulous in its quality control checks, ensuring every product met the high standards.

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