Definition

1. Adjective:

   • Discretionary / At one's discretion: Describes something that is done according to one's own judgment or as one sees fit, without strict rules or external imposition.
   • Optional / As one pleases: Indicates that a choice, action, or use is not mandatory and can be decided freely based on preference or circumstance.

2. Adverb:

   • At one's convenience / As appropriate: Used to modify a verb, indicating that an action is to be performed in a manner or at a time deemed suitable by the person involved.

Usage Examples

• Adjective:

  • Bạn có quyền sử dụng tùy nghi. (You have the right to use it at your discretion.)
  • Đây là khoản tiền chi tiêu tùy nghi. (This is a discretionary spending fund.)

• Adverb:

  • Anh ấy có thể đến và đi tùy nghi. (He can come and go as he pleases.)
  • Hãy ứng biến tùy nghi theo tình huống. (Please adapt as appropriate to the situation.)

Advanced Usage

• Legal/Formal Context: Often used in official documents, rules, or principles to grant discretionary power.
  • Nguyên tắc tùy nghi: The principle of discretion / A discretionary principle.
  • Tòa án sẽ xử lý tùy nghi. (The court will handle it at its discretion.)

Variants and Related Words

• Tùy ý (adj/adv): At will, arbitrarily. Often interchangeable with "tùy nghi" but can sometimes imply a more casual or willful choice.
• Tùy tiện (adj/adv): Arbitrary, doing as one likes, often with a negative connotation of being unmethodical or inconsiderate.

Synonyms

• Discretionary: Left to one's own judgment.
• Optional: Not compulsory; left to one's choice.
• At one's discretion: According to what one decides is best.

Related Idioms

• Tùy nghi ứng biến: To adapt flexibly and as one sees fit according to circumstances.
  • Một nhà lãnh đạo giỏi phải biết tùy nghi ứng biến. (A good leader must know how to adapt flexibly.)