Prudence etymology

Etymology

  • Latin: Prudentia

Meaning

  • Foresight
  • Wisdom
  • Common sense
  • Caution
  • Discretion

Origin

Latin Prudentia:

  • Derived from the adjective "prudens," meaning "foreseeing," "wise," "judicious," or "prudent."
  • Related to the verb "providere," meaning "to see ahead," "to foresee," or "to provide for."

In Roman Virtues:

  • Prudentia was one of the four cardinal virtues in Roman culture, along with wisdom (sapientia), justice (iustitia), and temperance (temperantia).
  • It represented the ability to make wise decisions based on foresight and careful consideration.

In Christianity:

  • Christian theologians adopted the concept of prudence as one of the seven deadly virtues, along with temperance, justice, courage (fortitudo), faith, hope, and love.
  • It was associated with the ability to avoid sin and make morally sound decisions.

In English:

  • Entered the English language through the Old French word "prudencie" around the 13th century.
  • Has been used continuously since then to refer to the qualities of foresight, wisdom, and caution.

Prudence relate terms

  • jurisprudence

    Etymology The word jurisprudence comes from the Latin term juris prudentia which mea

  • jurist

    Etymology From Middle French juriste from Latin iūrista from ius law ista ag

  • Prudence

    Etymology Latin Prudentia Meaning Foresight Wisdom Common sense Caution Discretion

  • providence

    Etymology The word providence comes from the Latin word providentia which means fo

  • prudential

    Etymology The word prudential comes from the Latin word prudentia which means fore

  • Prudence

    Etymology Latin Prudentia Meaning Foresight Wisdom Common sense Caution Discretion

  • discretion

    Etymology The word discretion comes from the Middle English word discrecioun which

  • circumspection

    Etymology Latin circumspectus circum around spectus look Meaning Car

  • caution

    Etymology The word caution comes from the Late Latin word cauere meaning to take he

  • extravagant

    Etymology The word extravagant comes from the Late Latin word extravagans which mea

  • censure

    Etymology Late Latin censura office of a censor Latin censor magistrate who enrolled

  • probable

    Probable etymology probable from Latin probabilis meaning capable of being proven

  • provision

    Etymology Medieval Latin providere to foresee provide procure Latin providēre

  • judgment

    Etymology The word judgment derives from the Old French jugement which in turn com

  • frugality

    Etymology The word frugality comes from the Latin word frugalitas which means thri

  • sagacity

    Etymology Latin sagacitas keenness of perception discernment cleverness Proto In