prudence

n. caution, care, heedfulness; intelligence, discretion, judgement; frugality, thriftiness

Prudence (lat.:prudentia) is classically considered to be a virtue, and indeed, one of the Cardinal Virtues. The word comes from Old French prudence (13th century), from Latin prudentia "foresight, sagacity," contraction of providentia "foresight". It is often associated with Wisdom, Insight, and Knowledge. In this case, the virtue is the ability to judge between virtuous and vicious actions, not only in a general sense, but with regard to appropriate actions at a given time and place. Although prudence itself does not perform any actions, and is concerned solely with knowledge, all virtues had to be regulated by it. Distinguishing when acts are courageous, as opposed to reckless or cowardly, for instance, was an act of prudence. This is why it is classified as a "cardinal" which is to say "pivotal" virtue.
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Noun
1. discretion in practical affairs
(antonym) imprudence
(hypernym) discretion, discernment
(hyponym) providence
2. knowing how to avoid embarrassment or distress; "the servants showed great tact and discretion"
(synonym) discretion, discreetness, circumspection
(hypernym) sagacity, sagaciousness, judgment, judgement, discernment
(hyponym) confidentiality

n. caution, prudence; sobering; wit, wisdom; shyness; calculation

(n.)
The quality or state of being prudent; wisdom in the way of caution and provision; discretion; carefulness; hence, also, economy; frugality.