discretion

/dɪˈskrɛʃən/ Formal

Say it: dih-SKRESH-un

1. noun The quality of behaving or speaking in a way that avoids causing offense or revealing private information.
She handled the client's sensitive personal details with the utmost discretion.
2. noun The freedom or authority to decide what should be done in a particular situation.
The committee has the discretion to award the grant to any of the finalists.

📖 Seen in the wild

The judge exercised her discretion in sentencing the young offender, opting for probation rather than incarceration.
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✏️ discretion in a sentence

I'd appreciate your discretion in this matter; it's a private family issue.
The following program contains mature themes; viewer discretion is advised.
He is the soul of discretion and can be trusted with any secret.
Team leaders have the discretion to approve small expenses without consulting management.
The law gives judges broad discretion in sentencing.
The success of the undercover operation depended on the complete discretion of the officers involved.

🔁 Synonyms & antonyms

prudence circumspection tact judgment caution latitude choice delicacy

prudence · suggests careful judgment with a focus on avoiding future negative consequences.

circumspection · implies a cautious, wary quality, as if looking around at all possibilities before acting.

tact · focuses specifically on social grace and the skill of saying the right thing to avoid offense.

judgment · refers more broadly to the ability to make a considered decision, not necessarily a secret one.

Opposites: indiscretion, imprudence, carelessness, recklessness, obligation

🌱 Where it comes from

Discretion traveled from Latin to English through Old French. Its Latin root, 'discretio', means 'separation' or 'discernment', from the verb 'discernere', to separate or distinguish. This idea of separating good from bad, or appropriate from inappropriate, evolved into our modern sense of careful judgment.

🧩 How it's used

Common patterns:

at the discretion ofuse/exercise discretionshow discretioncomplete/sole discretionviewer discretion is advisedthe soul of discretion

A very common point of confusion is the difference between the adjectives 'discreet' and 'discrete'. 'Discreet' means showing discretion (careful, prudent). 'Discrete' means separate or distinct. Remember that the person who shows discretion is 'discreet'. The word 'discretion' itself carries a formal tone and is best suited for professional, legal, or serious personal contexts.

Word family: discreet, discreetly, discretionary, indiscretion

💬 Quick answers

What does 'discretion' mean in simple terms?

It means either being careful and quiet about sensitive information, or having the freedom to make your own choices and judgments in a situation.

What does 'at your discretion' mean?

This phrase means you have the freedom to decide what to do based on your own judgment. The decision is entirely up to you.

What is the difference between 'discreet' and 'discrete'?

Though pronounced the same, 'discreet' means careful and prudent, which is the adjective form related to discretion. 'Discrete' means separate and distinct.

Is 'discretion' a formal word?

Yes, discretion is generally used in more formal or serious contexts. In casual conversation, you might say 'be careful' or 'it's your call' instead.

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