Discretion
dɪˈskreʃən
Definitions
2 meaningsThe freedom to decide what should be done in a particular situation.
dɪˈskreʃən
The quality of behaving or speaking in such a way as to avoid causing offense or revealing confidential information.
The manager left the hiring decisions to the discretion of the department heads.
💡 Simply: Imagine you're a spy with super-secret information! Discretion is like being careful not to spill any secrets or do anything that could make things worse. It means making wise choices about what you say and do to protect yourself or others.
👶 For kids: Being careful about what you say or do, like keeping a secret!
More Examples
I relied on his discretion to handle the delicate situation.
The police officer exercised discretion when deciding whether to issue a warning or a ticket.
It is at your discretion whether you wish to accept this offer.
How It's Used
"The judge has the discretion to decide the sentence."
"Use discretion when discussing sensitive topics."
The power or right to make decisions according to your own judgment.
dɪˈskreʃən
The freedom to decide something according to the best judgment of a person or group of people.
The judge has the discretion to determine the length of the sentence.
💡 Simply: Imagine you're in charge! Discretion means you get to make your own choices and decisions. It's like deciding what to do and how to do it, using your best judgment and the information you have.
👶 For kids: Being able to choose what to do!
More Examples
The company granted its employees discretion over their work hours.
He exercised his discretion when deciding on the new policy.
The teacher had the discretion to adjust the curriculum.
How It's Used
"The company gives its employees considerable discretion in managing their time."
"Teachers have discretion in how they handle classroom discipline."
Synonyms & Antonyms
Synonyms
Antonyms
Idioms & expressions
at someone's discretion
To be decided by someone's judgment or choice.
"The use of the company car is at the manager's discretion."
exercise discretion
To use one's own judgment and act wisely in a situation.
"The manager asked her employees to exercise discretion when dealing with sensitive customer complaints."
From Middle English discretioun, from Old French discretion, from Latin discretio (“separation, distinction, discernment”), from discernere (“to separate, distinguish”), from dis- (“apart”) + cernere (“to sift, distinguish”).
Used in legal and religious contexts in the 14th century to refer to judgment and discernment.
Memory tip
Think of 'discreet actions' - careful, private choices.
Word Origin
"distinction, discernment"