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Prudence vs Cautious - What's the difference?

prudence | cautious |

As a proper noun prudence

is , one of the puritan virtue names.

As an adjective cautious is

careful; using or exercising caution; tentative.

prudence

English

(wikipedia prudence) (Webster 1913)

Noun

(-)
  • The quality or state of being prudent; wisdom in the way of caution and provision; discretion; carefulness; hence, also, economy; frugality.
  • * 1876 , , Prose Quotations from Socrates to Macaulay , J.B. Lippincott, page 597,
    • Prudence is principally in reference to actions to be done, and due means, order, seasons, and method of doing or not doing. - .
    Prudence supposes the value of the end to be assumed, and refers only to the adaptation of the means. It is the relation of right means for given ends. - .

    Synonyms

    * wisdom, forecast, providence, considerateness, judiciousness, discretion, caution, circumspection, judgment * See also

    Antonyms

    * imprudence, recklessness, rashness

    cautious

    English

    Adjective

    (en adjective)
  • careful; using or exercising caution; tentative
    • He took a few cautious steps out the door.

    Synonyms

    * See also

    Antonyms

    * neglecting * careless

    Derived terms

    * overcautious