discretion

[dih-skresh-uhn]

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

discretion

/ 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

Word History and Origins

Origin of discretion¹

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

Idioms and Phrases

Idioms

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

   They were allowed to work overtime at discretion.

More idioms and phrases containing discretion

• throw caution (discretion) to the winds

Example Sentences

Some have even apparently imitated Hervé Villechaize shouting “Da plane, boss, da plane,” as they refer to Vance, though I’m told “discretion is advised” when and where such jokes are made.

From Salon

"Local authorities have the discretion to provide learner transport which go beyond their statutory responsibilities if they wish to."

From BBC

The 9th Circuit quickly reversed that decision, finding the president had broad discretion over domestic deployments.

From Los Angeles Times

But the provision also provides countries in the alliance with broad discretion on whether to participate in a military response to an attack on a fellow member.

From Los Angeles Times

ITV's terms say producers have the discretion to "reintroduce an Islander seen in earlier stages of the competition who was previously evicted".

From BBC

Related Words

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