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

Example Sentences

That amount is across all sports, and the schools have discretion on how to distribute those funds across their athletics.

From MarketWatch

At the time, her advice seemed silly, as I couldn’t imagine anything that might keep me from acting at my own discretion.

From Literature

"This obviously completely dismantles Hugo Chavez’s oil model," said oil analyst Francisco Monaldi, while pointing out that the state will retain some discretion over the issuing of contracts to private players.

From Barron's

The new rules apply to all ranks but senior ratings will be able "to use their discretion" when applying the rules to themselves, the source added.

From BBC

Around 80 percent of Swedish primary and middle schools already have bans on mobile phones in the classroom, introduced at the principals' discretion, according to Swedish news agency TT.

From Barron's

Related Words

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