noun
Common
discretion
dih-SKREH-shuhn
Discretion (noun) means the freedom or authority to make your own judgement or decision. Example: “Teachers have some discretion over how they arrange their own lessons.”
noun
1
The freedom or authority to make your own judgement or decision.
"Teachers have some discretion over how they arrange their own lessons."
"The judge used her discretion to reduce the sentence."
"Refunds are given entirely at the manager's discretion."
2
The quality of being careful and tactful, especially about sensitive matters.
"Please use discretion when you share news about your colleague's health."
"Her discretion made patients trust her with their private worries."
"The lawyer handled the case with great discretion."
How to use discretion
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishThe power to decide something yourself, or the tact to handle sensitive matters carefully.
Common pairings
at your discretion
use discretion
a matter of discretion
Vocabulary Flow
Build your vocabulary from words like discretion.
Vocabulary Flow serves the next word, and the next — meaning, pronunciation and an example each time. Practice at your level, or learn English in your own language.
Start vocabulary practice
Word forms
- Plural
- discretions
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
Teachers have some _____ over how they arrange their own lessons.
Etymology
From Old French discretion, from Latin discretio, "separation, distinction" — the same Latin root as "discreet."
Synonyms
View more →Antonyms
Related words
Rhymes for discretion
region
ablation
allusion
emulsion
ideation
novation
diffusion
elocution
extension
oxidation
perfusion
selection
See all rhymes for discretion →
Frequently asked questions
What does “discretion” mean?
The word “discretion” means the freedom or authority to make your own judgement or decision. In plain terms, the power to decide something yourself, or the tact to handle sensitive matters carefully.
How do you pronounce “discretion”?
“Discretion” is pronounced dih-SKREH-shuhn (/dɪˈskɹɛʃən/ in IPA).
How do you use “discretion” in a sentence?
Here is “discretion” used in a sentence: “The judge used her discretion to reduce the sentence.”
What is the opposite of “discretion”?
The opposite of “discretion” — its antonyms — is indiscretion.
What part of speech is “discretion”?
“Discretion” is a noun.
Where does the word “discretion” come from?
The word “discretion” comes from Latin. From Old French discretion, from Latin discretio, "separation, distinction" — the same Latin root as "discreet.".
Is “discretion” a common word?
“Discretion” is a fairly common word in modern English.
How many meanings does “discretion” have?
“Discretion” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: the freedom or authority to make your own judgement or decision.
What is the difference between discretion and prudence?
Discretion is the freedom to make your own judgment, and also the quality of being careful and tactful about sensitive matters. Prudence is broader caution and good sense in practical affairs, so discretion leans toward tact and knowing what to keep private, while prudence leans toward foresight and avoiding risk.
What is the difference between discretion and tact?
The two overlap in handling sensitive matters carefully. Tact is specifically the skill of saying and doing things without causing offense, while discretion adds the idea of keeping private matters private and also carries a separate meaning, the authority to decide something for yourself.
