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Discretion: meaning, definitions and examples

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discretion

 

[ dɪˈskrɛʃ(ə)n ]

Noun
Context #1 | Noun

use wisely

The quality of behaving or speaking in such a way as to avoid causing offense or revealing private information.

Synonyms

caution, circumspection, prudence

Examples of usage

  • She knew she could rely on his discretion.
  • He handled the situation with tact and discretion.
Context #2 | Noun

legal

The freedom to decide what should be done in a particular situation.

Synonyms

authority, control, power

Examples of usage

  • The judge used his discretion to grant bail.
  • The company has the discretion to terminate the contract.

Translations

Translations of the word "discretion" in other languages:

🇵🇹 discrição

🇮🇳 विवेक

🇩🇪 Diskretion

🇮🇩 kebijaksanaan

🇺🇦 розсуд

🇵🇱 dyskrecja

🇯🇵 裁量 (さいりょう)

🇫🇷 discrétion

🇪🇸 discreción

🇹🇷 takdir

🇰🇷 재량

🇸🇦 تقدير

🇨🇿 diskrétnost

🇸🇰 diskrétnosť

🇨🇳 裁量 (cáiliáng)

🇸🇮 diskretnost

🇮🇸 varúð

🇰🇿 сараптау

🇬🇪 დისკრეცია (disk'retsia)

🇦🇿 tədbir

🇲🇽 discreción

Word origin

The word 'discretion' originated from the Latin word 'discretio', meaning 'separation' or 'discernment'. It has evolved over time to encompass the idea of making decisions carefully and wisely, often with consideration of consequences. The concept of discretion has been valued in various cultures and societies as a virtue associated with wisdom and good judgment.

See also: discreet, discreetly, indiscreet.

Word Frequency Rank

At position #2,728, this word belongs to solid intermediate vocabulary. It's frequently used in both casual and formal contexts and is worth learning for better fluency.