Origin: Latin suffix -ence
Prudence has 4 different meanings across 2 categories:
discretion in practical affairs
"After years of reckless spending, his return to prudence allowed him to finally save enough for a house down payment."
knowing how to avoid embarrassment or distress
"the servants showed great tact and discretion"
The quality or state of being prudent; wisdom in the way of caution and provision; discretion; carefulness; hence, also, economy; frugality.
"After years of financial instability, her family finally adopted a strict policy of prudence that allowed them to save enough for an emergency fund."
A female given name from English, one of the Puritan virtue names.
"After their daughter was born in 1650, the family proudly named her Prudence to honor that particular Puritan virtue."