The quality of being cautious and wise in practical affairs, especially by avoiding unnecessary risks. Her prudence in financial matters ensured that she always had savings for emergencies.
The ability to govern and discipline oneself by the use of reason. Prudence guided his decision to decline the risky investment opportunity.
Practical wisdom regarded as one of the four cardinal virtues in Christian theology and philosophy. In medieval scholasticism, Prudence is considered the guiding virtue of the intellect.