What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
cautious
Example
Be cautious when crossing the street, always look both ways. [cautious: adjective]
Example
She cautiously approached the wild animal, not wanting to startle it. [cautiously: adverb]
prudent
Example
It would be prudent to save some money for emergencies. [prudent: adjective]
Example
He made a prudent decision to invest in a stable and reliable company. [prudent: adjective]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Cautious is more commonly used than prudent in everyday language. Cautious is a versatile word that can be used in various contexts, while prudent is less common and often used in more formal or professional settings.
Whatโs the difference in the tone of formality between cautious and prudent?
While both cautious and prudent can be used in formal contexts, prudent is generally considered more formal and is often used in professional or business settings.