discretion

American  

[dih-skresh-uhn] / dɪˈskrɛʃ ən /

noun

1. the power or right to decide or act according to one's own judgment; freedom of judgment or choice.

   It is entirely within my discretion whether I will go or stay.

2. the quality of being discreet, especially with reference to one's own actions or speech; prudence or decorum.

   Throwing all discretion to the winds, he blurted out the truth.

   Synonyms:

   sense, discrimination, wisdom, judgment

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idioms

1. at discretion, at one's option or pleasure.

   They were allowed to work overtime at discretion.

discretion British  

/ dɪˈskrɛʃən /

noun

1. the quality of behaving or speaking in such a way as to avoid social embarrassment or distress

2. freedom or authority to make judgments and to act as one sees fit (esp in the phrases at one's own discretion, at the discretion of )

3. the age at which a person is considered to be able to manage his own affairs

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discretion More Idioms  

More idioms and phrases containing discretion

• throw caution (discretion) to the winds

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Etymology

Origin of discretion

First recorded in 1250–1300; Middle English discrecioun, from Anglo-French, from Late Latin discrētiōn-, stem of discrētiō “separation”; equivalent to discreet + -ion

Explanation

If you have the freedom to decide something on your own, the decision is left to your discretion. You're in charge. Discretion traces back to the Latin verb discernere, "to separate, to discern," from the prefix dis-, "off, away," plus cernere, "separate, sift." If you use discretion, you sift away what is not desirable, keeping only the good. If you have the freedom to choose, something is "at your discretion." Watch out when you hear the phrase "viewer discretion advised" on TV or at the movies — you will most likely encounter profanity and violence.

Example Sentences

Then, barely 24 hours before they played for a place in the quarterfinals, the tournament co-hosts became the beneficiaries of FIFA’s ultimate discretion.

From The Wall Street Journal • Jul. 5, 2026

Seed is known for his elaborate event builds and notable discretion.

From Los Angeles Times • Jul. 3, 2026

Fifa regulations for World Cup 2026 state it has the right to "cancel, reschedule or relocate" matches "at its sole discretion".

From BBC • Jul. 3, 2026

“It would be better to allow providers the discretion to opt their patients out based on their knowledge of their patients’ circumstances.”

From MarketWatch • Jun. 24, 2026

With great discretion she divided up her clothing among the servants and the followers she always had, keeping only what she absolutely needed.

From "The House of the Spirits: A Novel" by Isabel Allende

Related Words

• attention
• foresight
• maturity
• prudence
• responsibility
• tact
• vigilance
• wisdom