noun

discretion

/dɪˈskreʃən/ · say it: dih·SKRESH·uhn

the quality of behaving carefully and prudently

In Nuance & Precision

In more detail

1. (noun) the quality of being careful and sensible in what you say or do, especially about keeping secrets

2. (noun) the freedom or power to make decisions or choices based on your own judgment

Examples

1. You can trust her with confidential information—she has great discretion.
2. The manager has discretion to approve requests up to $5,000.

How to use discretion

Discretion has two related but distinct senses: the ability to be tactful and keep confidences (personal discretion), and the authority to make decisions based on one's own judgment (institutional or professional discretion). It is more formal than its sound-alike discreet, though both relate to careful judgment. In professional contexts, it often refers to decision-making power; in personal contexts, it emphasizes trustworthiness and restraint.

Common phrases

at someone's discretion
exercise discretion
use your discretion
absolute discretion
show discretion

Synonyms

prudence · circumspection · tact · judgment · wisdom

Opposites

indiscretion · recklessness · carelessness

Word family

discreet (adjective) · discreetly (adverb) · discretionary (adjective)

A common mistake

Learners often confuse discretion (noun, judgment/tact) with discreet (adjective, unobtrusive/tactful), or misspell discretion as 'discression.'

Learn it for good

Save this word in WordVale and it comes back for review right before you'd forget it — with pronunciation, real examples, and optional translations. One purchase, no subscription.

Get WordValeFREE 7-DAY TRIAL · iPHONE & iPAD