Etymology Map
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Prudent

3 stages from Latin to English.

Today it means acting with care for the future

Where does the word "prudent" come from? It comes from Latin prudens, passing through Old French before entering English (1300s).

1
Stage 1 of 3
prudens
Latin · ancient
"foreseeing"
contracted from 'providens', foreseeing
2
Stage 2 of 3
prudent
Old French · medieval
"wise"
Prudence was one of the four cardinal virtues of medieval teaching
3
Stage 3 of 3
prudent
English · 1300s
"wise"
'prudence' was one of the four cardinal virtues
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Read the full story

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.