discretion
/dɪˈskrɛʃ(ə)n
/noun [mass noun]
1The quality of behaving or speaking in such a way as to avoid causing offence or revealing confidential information: she knew she could rely on his discretion I’ll be the soul of discretion...
- 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.
Synonyms
circumspection, care, carefulness, caution, wariness, chariness, guardedness;
tact, tactfulness, diplomacy, delicacy, sensitivity, subtlety, consideration, prudence, judiciousness, judgement, discrimination, sense, good sense, common sense;
kid gloves
2The freedom to decide what should be done in a particular situation: local authorities should use their discretion in setting the charges honorary fellowships may be awarded at the discretion of the council...
- 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.
Synonyms
choice, option, judgement, preference, disposition, volition;
pleasure, liking, wish, will, inclination, desire
Phrases
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).
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.