overprudent
|o-ver-pru-dent|
🇺🇸
/ˌoʊvərˈpruːdənt/
🇬🇧
/ˌəʊvəˈpruːdənt/
excessive caution
Etymology
'overprudent' originates from English, specifically the prefix 'over-' and the adjective 'prudent', where 'over-' meant 'beyond, excessively' (from Old English 'ofer') and 'prudent' comes from Latin 'prūdēns' meaning 'foreseeing, wise'.
'prudent' changed from Latin 'prūdēns' into Old French 'prudent' and then into Middle English as 'prudent'; 'over-' comes from Old English 'ofer'. The compound 'over-' + 'prudent' produced the Modern English formation 'overprudent'.
Initially the elements conveyed 'beyond prudent' (i.e., more than prudent); over time the compound has come to mean specifically 'excessively cautious' with a negative or limiting nuance.
Meanings by Part of Speech
Adjective 1
excessively prudent or cautious to the point of being detrimental; too careful or wary, causing missed opportunities or undue restraint.
The committee's overprudent stance caused them to miss a rare investment opportunity.
Synonyms
Antonyms
Last updated: 2025/11/20 20:05