How to pronounce prudent
Say it like PROO-dunt. Prudent has two syllables, and the main stress falls on the first one (PROO).
Click the play button next to American or British to hear how to pronounce prudent. Choose Slow to hear each sound clearly.
- PROO
- dunt
- Main stress
- Lighter stress
- Unstressed
Prudent pronunciation, sound by sound
Read the parts left to right, then blend them together without pausing.
- PROOSay this part loudest and longest. The vowel is the "oo" in food.
- duntKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the relaxed "uh" in about.
American vs British pronunciation of prudent
American and British speakers say prudent in essentially the same way: /ˈprudənt/ in the US and /ˈpruːdənt/ in the UK.
British respelling: PROO-dunt.
What does prudent mean?
- Sagacious in adapting means to ends; circumspect in action, or in determining any line of conduct.“It is prudent to consult a physician before beginning any new exercise regimen.”
- Practically wise, judicious, shrewd.“His prudent career moves reliably brought him to the top.”
- Frugal; economical; not extravagant.“Only prudent expenditure may provide quality within a restrictive budget.”
Where does prudent come from?
Inherited from Middle English prudent, from Old French prudent, from Latin prūdēns, contracted from prōvidēns (“foresight”) (English providence), the present participle of prōvideō (“to forsee; to provide for”).
Similar and opposite words
Similar meaning
Opposite meaning
Words that rhyme with prudent
Practicing rhymes is a quick way to lock in the vowel sound of prudent.
Questions about saying prudent
How do you pronounce prudent?
Say PROO-dunt. The American pronunciation is /ˈprudənt/. In British English it is /ˈpruːdənt/. Press play above to hear it at normal speed or slowly.
How many syllables are in prudent?
Prudent has two syllables, and the main stress falls on the first one (PROO). Broken into parts: PROO · dunt.
Do Americans and Brits say prudent the same way?
Almost exactly. The American form is /ˈprudənt/ and the British form is /ˈpruːdənt/, so you can use either pronunciation with any listener.