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imprudence

recklessness, imprudence

noun an-pru-DAHNS Rare
Mind & Emotions Attitudes

Usage Note

Imprudence denotes a failure of caution rather than malicious intent — it is the noun used in French law for negligent acts (homicide par imprudence is manslaughter). The adjective imprudent (feminine imprudente) and the adverb imprudemment form its word family. Its antonym is prudence, one of the four classical virtues in French moral tradition.

Examples

"Son imprudence lui a coute tres cher."

Natural Translation

His recklessness cost him dearly.

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