C1noun formal 3K

Discretion

🇬🇧 UK /["/dɪˈskreʃn/"]/ 🇺🇸 US /["/dɪˈskreʃn/"]/

Meaning of Discretion

the freedom or power to decide what should be done in a particular situation

In simple words: The ability to decide something carefully and keep things private.

Discretion in a sentence

• The manager used great discretion when addressing the employee's confidential issues.
• Due to the sensitive nature of the case, discretion is advised in sharing any details.
• She showed discretion in choosing her words during the delicate negotiation.
• The security staff have the discretion to deny entry if they suspect any risks.
• Whether to approve the leave request is at the discretion of the team leader.
• He took the discretion to change the meeting time without informing everyone.
• The law leaves some discretion to judges when deciding sentences.

How to use Discretion

Used when discussing choices and privacy. Appropriate in professional or serious contexts; not commonly used in casual conversations.

Grammar pattern

standalone noun

Memory hint

Think of 'discretion' as 'dressing carefully' — keeping choices neat and private.

Related words

Collocations with Discretion

• broad
• considerable
• full
• have
• exercise
• use
• at somebody’s discretion
• discretion  about
• discretion  as to
• an abuse of discretion
• the exercise of discretion
• leave something to somebody’s (own) discretion
• great
• the utmost
• call for
• need
• require
• with discretion
• a lack of discretion
• a need for discretion

Synonyms for Discretion

• judgment
• tact
• discretionary power
• circumspection
• prudent behavior

Opposites of Discretion

• indiscretion
• impropriety

Common mistakes with Discretion

• Confused with 'discretionary' which refers to having the freedom to decide.
• Misused in informal settings where simpler words would be clearer.
• Often pronounced incorrectly, emphasizing the wrong syllable.

Frequently asked questions about Discretion

What does Discretion mean?

The ability to decide something carefully and keep things private.

What is the definition of Discretion?

the freedom or power to decide what should be done in a particular situation

How do you use Discretion in a sentence?

The manager used great discretion when addressing the employee's confidential issues.

Can you give another example of Discretion?

Due to the sensitive nature of the case, discretion is advised in sharing any details.

What are synonyms for Discretion?

Common alternatives include judgment, tact, discretionary power, circumspection, prudent behavior.

What is the opposite of Discretion?

Opposite meanings include indiscretion, impropriety.

What words go with Discretion?

It commonly pairs with broad, considerable, full, have, exercise, use, at somebody’s discretion, discretion  about, discretion  as to, an abuse of discretion, the exercise of discretion, leave something to somebody’s (own) discretion, great, the utmost, call for, need, require, with discretion, a lack of discretion, a need for discretion.

What are common mistakes when using Discretion?

Confused with 'discretionary' which refers to having the freedom to decide. Misused in informal settings where simpler words would be clearer. Often pronounced incorrectly, emphasizing the wrong syllable.

How do you pronounce Discretion?

US: /["/dɪˈskreʃn/"]/, UK: /["/dɪˈskreʃn/"]/. Listen to the audio above to hear native pronunciation.

Is Discretion formal or informal?

"Discretion" is formal, so it fits professional, business, or academic conversations.

When should I use Discretion?

Used when discussing choices and privacy. Appropriate in professional or serious contexts; not commonly used in casual conversations.

What CEFR level is Discretion?

"Discretion" is at C1 level on the CEFR scale.