In the following question, out of the given four alternatives, select the one which best expresses the meaning of the given word. Prudent – choose the option that is closest in meaning to this word.

Introduction / Context:
Synonym questions test the depth of a learner's vocabulary and their ability to distinguish between closely related meanings. The word "prudent" is commonly used in formal English, especially in discussions about money, decisions, and long term planning. Examinations often connect it with habits of careful spending and wise judgement, which is why "frugal" appears as one of the options here.

Given Data / Assumptions:

• The target word is "Prudent".
• Options: Unwise, Frugal, Careless, Improper.
• The task is to select the word closest in meaning to "Prudent".
• We assume standard dictionary meanings and neutral context.

Concept / Approach:
"Prudent" refers to a person who is sensible, cautious, and shows good judgement, especially in practical matters. The word often appears in contexts involving money or risk, such as "a prudent investor" or "a prudent decision". To find the synonym, we must look for a word that carries the sense of carefulness and wise self control. We also need to recognise that the exam may use related ideas, such as economical behaviour with resources, as a close synonym even if it is not exactly identical in every situation.

Step-by-Step Solution:
Step 1: Recall the meaning of "prudent": showing good judgement, especially by avoiding unnecessary risk and waste. Step 2: Consider Option B, "Frugal". This means economical, avoiding waste, and careful in using resources like money, time, or food. A prudent person is often frugal, because both qualities involve thoughtful restraint. Step 3: Option A, "Unwise", is clearly opposite in meaning. A prudent person is not unwise. Step 4: Option C, "Careless", again is the opposite of careful and cautious behaviour, so it cannot be a synonym. Step 5: Option D, "Improper", refers to behaviour that is not suitable, not correct, or socially unacceptable, which is unrelated to the idea of thoughtful judgement. Step 6: Therefore, the best available synonym among the options is "Frugal".

Verification / Alternative check:
A quick check is to place each word in a similar sentence and see which one works. Consider the sentence: "In uncertain times, it is prudent to save money." If we replace "prudent" with "frugal", we get "In uncertain times, it is frugal to save money," which still conveys the idea of cautious and economical behaviour. Replacing it with "unwise", "careless", or "improper" reverses or distorts the meaning. This confirms "frugal" as the closest match in this question, even though in some contexts "prudent" might focus more on wisdom than on economy alone.

Why Other Options Are Wrong:
Option A: "Unwise" means lacking wisdom or good judgement, which is directly opposed to the meaning of "prudent". Option C: "Careless" describes someone who does not pay attention or does not take enough care. A prudent person is the exact opposite, careful and attentive. Option D: "Improper" is about behaviour that does not meet accepted standards or is incorrect, which is not the same idea as wise and cautious decision making.

Common Pitfalls:
Many learners think synonyms must match perfectly in all contexts, but exam questions usually focus on the closest match among the given choices. In this case, "frugal" emphasises economic restraint, which fits very well with prudence about resources. Another pitfall is not knowing the meanings of less common words like "frugal" and guessing based only on familiarity. Building a habit of reading widely and maintaining a vocabulary notebook can significantly improve performance in such synonym and antonym questions.

Final Answer:
The word closest in meaning to "Prudent" among the given options is Frugal.