Meaning & Definition of word "Discretion"
to
Discretion
/dɪˈskrɛʃən/
noun:
- 1. The quality of behaving or speaking in such a way as to avoid causing offense or revealing private information.
- Example: She handled the sensitive situation with great discretion.
- 2. The freedom to decide what should be done in a particular situation.
- Example: The teacher has the discretion to assign extra credit as she sees fit.
- 3. The right or ability to make choices based on judgment.
- Example: It is up to the judge's discretion to determine the severity of the sentence.
Etymology
Middle English: from Old French discretion or Latin discretio(n-), from discernere 'to separate'
Common Phrases and Expressions
at one's discretion:
according to one's own judgment or choice
discretion is the better part of valor:
caution is preferable to rashness
leave it to discretion:
to allow someone to decide what to do
Related Words
discreet:
careful and circumspect in one's speech or actions
discretionary:
available for use at the discretion of the user
Slang Meanings of discretion
Meaning: To play it cool
Example Sentence: He played it cool and didn't reveal too much at the meeting.
Meaning: Keep it under wraps
Example Sentence: Let's keep this under wraps until we have the full plan.