Definition of discretion in English:
discretion
noun
1The quality of behaving or speaking in such a way as to avoid causing offense or revealing private information: she knew she could rely on his discretion
More example sentences
- The truth is any parent who thinks their child is the soul of discretion on the internet is likely to be wrong.
- If these people play fair and use discretion and common sense, they shall have my full support.
- Whoever put them in that group probably hoped discretion and goodwill would make sense of an anomaly.
circumspection, carefulness, caution, wariness, chariness, guardedness;
tact, tactfulness, diplomacy, delicacy, sensitivity, prudence, judiciousness
2The freedom to decide what should be done in a particular situation: it is up to local authorities to use their discretion in setting the charges a pass-fail grading system may be used at the discretion of the department
More example sentences
- Rules say bus drivers can use their discretion regarding dogs but they must have a valid reason for refusing.
- He says he hopes selectors use their discretion and pick him for the event anyway.
- However, it is entirely at the discretion of local authorities how this is applied.
choice, option, preference, disposition, volition;
pleasure, liking, wish, will, inclination, desire
Phrases
-
discretion is the better part of valor
- proverb It is better to avoid a dangerous situation than to confront it.Example sentences
- There are times when discretion is the better part of valour, of course.
- ‘There's a point at which discretion is the better part of valour with respect to legal disputes,’ he said.
- My co-worker came from this area, however, and discretion is the better part of valour.
Origin
Middle English (in the sense 'discernment'): via Old French from Latin discretio(n-) 'separation' (in late Latin 'discernment'), from discernere (see discern).
More
In Latin discretio developed from ‘separation’ to ‘fine judgement’, an ability to separate ideas, the sense in which it entered English in the Middle Ages. The proverb discretion is the better part of valour was familiar in Shakespeare's time. The idea is even older, having a parallel in the works of the Greek dramatist Euripides in the 5th century bc.
Words that rhyme with discretion
cession, freshen, sessionDefinition of discretion in:
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