Prude vs. Prudent — What's the Difference?

A person who is excessively concerned with propriety or modesty, especially in sexual matters.

Careful or wise in handling practical matters; exercising good judgment or common sense

A prude (Old French prude meaning honourable woman) is a person who is described as (or would describe themselves as) being concerned with decorum or propriety, significantly in excess of normal prevailing standards. They may be perceived as being more uncomfortable than most with sexuality or nudity.The name is generally considered a pejorative term to suggest fear and contempt of human sexuality and excessive, unusual modesty stemming from such a negative view of sexuality.

Acting with or showing care and thought for the future

A person who is or tries to be excessively proper, especially one who is easily offended by matters of a sexual nature.

Characterized by or resulting from care or wisdom in practical matters or in planning for the future

Prudish.

Sagacious in adapting means to ends; circumspect in action, or in determining any line of conduct.

A woman of affected modesty, reserve, or coyness; one who is overscrupulous or sensitive; one who affects extraordinary prudence in conduct and speech.

Practically wise, judicious, shrewd.

A person excessively concerned about propriety and decorum

Frugal, economical.

Sagacious in adapting means to ends; circumspect in action, or in determining any line of conduct; practically wise; judicious; careful; discreet; sensible; - opposed to rash; as, a prudent man; dictated or directed by prudence or wise forethought; evincing prudence; as, prudent behavior.

Frugal; economical; not extravagant; as, a prudent woman; prudent expenditure of money.

Careful and sensible; marked by sound judgment;

Showing wise self-restraint in speech and behavior especially in preserving prudent silence;