Meaning & Definition of word "Discretion"

Discretion

/dɪˈskrɛʃən/

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.

●Middle English: from Old French discretion or Latin discretio(n-), from discernere 'to separate'

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

discreet:

careful and circumspect in one's speech or actions

discretionary:

available for use at the discretion of the user

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.