Discretionary
/dɪˈskreʃənəri/
Definitions
Available to individual judgment or choice; not legally or officially required.
/dɪˈskreʃənəri/
Available to one's discretion; not mandatory.
The teacher has discretionary authority to allow students to retake the test.
💡 Simply: Imagine your parents give you some money. If they say you can spend it on whatever you want – a new video game, or save it – that's discretionary. It means you get to decide!
👶 For kids: When you have a choice about what to do, it's discretionary. You can decide!
More Examples
Most of my discretionary income goes towards travel.
The company has discretionary bonus programs, offering rewards based on performance.
How It's Used
"The company offers discretionary bonuses based on performance."
"Discretionary spending includes things like travel and entertainment."
"The judge has discretionary power in sentencing."
Synonyms & Antonyms
Antonyms
Idioms & expressions
discretionary spending
Spending that is not essential and can be adjusted based on available funds and personal preferences.
"During economic downturns, people often reduce discretionary spending to save money."
at one's discretion
Based on one's own judgment or choice.
"The schedule is flexible and travel can be arranged at your discretion."
From Late Latin *discrētio* (“separation, distinction”), from *discernere* (“to separate, distinguish”).
The word has been in use since the 17th century, initially referring to the ability to discern or distinguish. Its meaning shifted over time to include the idea of freedom of choice.
Memory tip
Think of 'discretion' as having the freedom to choose. If something's discretionary, you have the 'discretion' to decide.
Word Origin
"separation, distinction"