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Where does the word "prudent" come from? It comes from Latin prudens, passing through Old French before entering English (1300s).
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Where does the word "prudent" come from? It comes from Latin prudens, passing through Old French before entering English (1300s).
Prudent’s story begins in Latin: prudens meant “foreseeing.” Contracted from 'providens', foreseeing. By medieval, the word had taken hold in Old French as prudent. Prudence was one of the four cardinal virtues of medieval teaching. It reached English by 1300s as prudent. 'prudence' was one of the four cardinal virtues. Today, prudent means acting with care for the future.
- Stage 1 · Latin · ancient prudens "foreseeing", contracted from 'providens', foreseeing.
- Stage 2 · Old French · medieval prudent "wise", Prudence was one of the four cardinal virtues of medieval teaching.
- Stage 3 · English · 1300s prudent "wise", 'prudence' was one of the four cardinal virtues.