Definition

1. Noun:
   • The quality of behaving or speaking in such a way as to avoid causing offense or revealing private information: The ability to make careful judgments about what to do or say, especially to avoid embarrassment or distress.
   • The freedom to decide what should be done in a particular situation: The power or right to choose or act according to one's own judgment.
   • The quality of having or showing good judgment: The trait of making wise and objective decisions.

Examples of Usage

• Noun:
  • She handled the sensitive situation with great discretion. (She was very careful not to cause offense or reveal secrets.)
  • The judge has the discretion to reduce the sentence. (The judge has the freedom to decide on a lesser punishment.)
  • He is a man of discretion and can be trusted with confidential information. (He is a person with good judgment who keeps secrets.)

Advanced Usage

• "At someone's discretion": According to what someone decides or chooses.
  • The final decision is at the manager's discretion.
• "To surrender at discretion": To surrender unconditionally, leaving all terms to the victor's judgment.
  • The defeated army had no choice but to surrender at discretion.
• "The better part of valour is discretion": A humorous saying suggesting that it is often wiser to be cautious than to be recklessly brave.
  • He decided not to argue, remembering that the better part of valour is discretion.

Variants and Related Words

• Discreet (adj): Careful and prudent in one's speech or actions, especially to avoid causing offense or to gain an advantage.
  • Please be discreet about this matter.
• Discretionary (adj): Available for use at the discretion of the user; subject to one's own judgment.
  • Managers have a discretionary budget for team expenses.

Synonyms

• Judgment: The ability to make considered decisions.
• Prudence: Acting with or showing care for the future.
• Tact: Skill and sensitivity in dealing with others or with difficult issues.

Related Phrases

• To use one's discretion: To make a decision based on one's own judgment.
  • You may use your discretion in handling customer complaints.
• To exercise discretion: To apply careful judgment in a situation.
  • Police officers must exercise discretion when issuing tickets.

Noun

1. the trait of judging wisely and objectively
   • a man of discernment
2. the power of making free choices unconstrained by external agencies
3. refined taste; tact
4. knowing how to avoid embarrassment or distress
   • the servants showed great tact and discretion
5. freedom to act or judge on one's own