discretion Definition
- 1the quality of behaving or speaking in such a way as to avoid causing offense or revealing confidential information
- 2the freedom to decide what should be done in a particular situation
Using discretion: Examples
Take a moment to familiarize yourself with how "discretion" can be used in various situations through the following examples!
Example
He handled the matter with great discretion.
Example
Please use discretion when discussing this issue.
Example
The company relies on the discretion of its employees to maintain confidentiality.
Example
The judge used his discretion to reduce the sentence.
discretion Synonyms and Antonyms
Synonyms for discretion
Antonyms for discretion
Phrases with discretion
at someone's discretion
according to someone's judgment or decision
Example
The use of the company car is at the manager's discretion.
in a careful and prudent manner
Example
She spent the money with discretion, making sure to save some for emergencies.
to use one's own judgment in making a decision
Example
The police officer must exercise discretion when deciding whether to issue a ticket or a warning.
Origins of discretion
from Old French 'discrecion', from Latin 'discretio(n-)', from the verb 'discernere', meaning 'to separate, distinguish'
Summary: discretion in Brief
The term 'discretion' [dɪˈskreʃən] refers to the quality of being careful and avoiding offense or revealing confidential information. It also means the freedom to decide what should be done in a particular situation. Examples include 'He handled the matter with great discretion,' and 'Please use discretion when discussing this issue.' Phrases like 'at someone's discretion' and 'with discretion' denote judgment and carefulness.
