discretion

[ dih-skresh-uhn ]

/ dɪˈskrɛʃ ən /

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noun

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.

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.

OTHER WORDS FOR discretion

2 judgment, wisdom, discrimination, sense.

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QUIZ

CAN YOU ANSWER THESE COMMON GRAMMAR DEBATES?

There are grammar debates that never die; and the ones highlighted in the questions in this quiz are sure to rile everyone up once again. Do you know how to answer the questions that cause some of the greatest grammar debates?

Question 1 of 7

Which sentence is correct?

His boss, whom he admires, is waiting to meet with him about the big project.

His boss, who he admires, is waiting to meet with him about the big project.

TAKE THE QUIZ TO FIND OUT

Idioms about discretion

at discretion, at one's option or pleasure: They were allowed to work overtime at discretion.

Origin of discretion

1250–1300; Middle English discrecioun<Anglo-French <Late Latin discrētiōn- (stem of discrētiō). See discreet, -ion

Words nearby discretion

discrepancies, discrepancy, discrepant, discrete, discrete variable, discretion, discretional, discretionary, discretionary account, discretionary trust, Discretion is the better part of valor

Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023

How to use discretion in a sentence

Through a spokesman, Freddie Mac said that such locks are an important part of its business model, and that timing is at the borrower’s discretion.
The Kushners’ Freddie Mac Loan Wasn’t Just Massive. It Came With Unusually Good Terms, Too.|by Heather Vogell|October 1, 2020|ProPublica
The clinic said that an officer in such a situation has no discretion.
The Startling Reach and Disparate Impact of Cleveland Clinic’s Private Police Force|by David Armstrong|September 28, 2020|ProPublica
Experts tell me that the president actually has a lot of power at his discretion to contest the election, and some of the scenarios that could bring us to the edge of a crisis are actually very plausible.
What If Trump Loses And Won’t Leave?|Geoffrey Skelley (geoffrey.skelley@abc.com)|September 14, 2020|FiveThirtyEight
An ADP spokesperson told Fortune that clients who use its TotalSource product will not have an option to take part in the deferral, but other clients will be able to suspend the Social Security collection at their discretion.
ADP, the biggest U.S. payroll service, won’t implement Trump’s ‘tax holiday’ for some clients|Jeff|September 8, 2020|Fortune

Their business is nearly 100% repeat and referral, a testament to their high ethical standards, strong negotiating skills, energy, and discretion.
COVID real estate — the new normal|Marin Hagen and Sylvia Bergstrom|August 22, 2020|Washington Blade
The town of Paradise told parents that trick-or-treating was “at your discretion.”
Killer Eric Frein Held in Murdered Cop’s Cuffs|Michael Daly|October 31, 2014|DAILY BEAST
According to owner Argiros, the answer is amiable discretion.
Inside New York’s Most Powerful Diner|Tom Teodorczuk|October 31, 2014|DAILY BEAST
The overriding theme of the hundreds of interviews Newman had granted is his discretion.
The Stacks: The Eyes of Winter: Paul Newman at 70|Peter Richmond|October 11, 2014|DAILY BEAST
And so we get policies where parents are given no discretion over whether or not to keep their kids home.
The Doctor’s Note Must Die!|Russell Saunders|September 16, 2014|DAILY BEAST
How from now on we were going to be seeing in Prince Harry nothing but a model of discretion, seriousness and best behaviour?
Prince Harry Parties TOPLESS|Tom Sykes|July 28, 2014|DAILY BEAST
He had, however, recovered sufficiently to enable him to act with promptitude and discretion.
The Giant of the North|R.M. Ballantyne
I knew you would, dear Mr Brammel—a gentleman of your discretion would not fail to do so.
Blackwood's Edinburgh Magazine, No. CCCXXXIX. January, 1844. Vol. LV.|Various
"The Seorita is a pearl of prudence and discretion: do whatever she desired you," said Alphonse.
Blackwood's Edinburgh Magazine, Volume 60, No. 372, October 1846|Various
They are all sworn to the closest secrecy; have been told that our lives depend upon their discretion.
Gallipoli Diary, Volume I|Ian Hamilton
Whether a dividend shall be declared, and also the amount, are questions lying largely within the discretion of the directors.
Putnam's Handy Law Book for the Layman|Albert Sidney Bolles

British Dictionary definitions for discretion

discretion

/ (dɪˈskrɛʃən) /

noun

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

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)

age of discretion or years of discretion the age at which a person is considered to be able to manage his own affairs

Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

Other Idioms and Phrases with discretion

discretion

In addition to the idiom beginning with discretion

discretion is the better part of valor

also see:

throw caution (discretion) to the winds

discretion

OTHER WORDS FOR discretion

Idioms about discretion

Origin of discretion

Words nearby discretion

Words related to discretion

How to use discretion in a sentence

British Dictionary definitions for discretion

Other Idioms and Phrases with discretion