discretion

[dɪˈskreʃən]

discretion Definition

• 1. the quality of behaving or speaking in such a way as to avoid causing offense or revealing confidential information
• 2. the 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

• prudence
• circumspection
• caution
• carefulness
• tact

Antonyms for discretion

• indiscretion
• imprudence

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.

• with discretion

  in a careful and prudent manner

  Example

  She spent the money with discretion, making sure to save some for emergencies.

• exercise discretion

  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'

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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.