What does "discretion" mean?
The quality of being discreet.
Discretion
/dɪˈskɹɛʃən/ noun
noun ·Common ·High school level
Meaning at a glance
- Primary sense: The quality of being discreet.
- Grammar: discretion is listed as noun.
- Nearest alternatives: prudence, a secret, airtight secrecy, aloofness.
- Useful contrasts: bureaucratic rules, dutch orde, governing authority guidelines.
- Usage evidence: Discretion is proper to judges.
How to use "discretion"
- Start with the primary definition, then check the part of speech before placing the word in a sentence.
- Compare nearby synonyms to make sure "discretion" carries the exact meaning, tone, and strength you need.
- Use the example sentence as a context check. If your sentence uses the word differently, confirm that the grammar still fits.
Meaning check
- Does the word fit the sentence's grammar?
- Does it match the intended tone rather than only the dictionary definition?
- Would a simpler synonym be clearer for the reader?
- Is there enough surrounding context to prevent ambiguity?
Source and review context
This entry combines structured lexical data with WordToolSet review checks. Definitions, examples, synonyms, and usage notes may come from different source tables, so the page is designed to show evidence from more than one angle before you rely on "discretion" in a final draft.
If a word has several senses, prefer the sense that matches your sentence's grammar and surrounding context. A correct definition can still be the wrong choice when the sentence needs a different register, emphasis, or level of specificity.
Before you rely on this definition
Read the first definition as a starting point, then check the example, synonyms, and part of speech before treating "discretion" as the right word for your sentence.
If your draft is formal, technical, persuasive, or sensitive, compare "discretion" with a nearby alternative so the final choice matches both meaning and reader expectation.
Compare nearby meanings
- Use synonyms when you need a softer, stronger, simpler, or more specific word.
- Use antonyms to check the boundary of the meaning and avoid accidental contrast.
- Use the example sentence to confirm the word behaves naturally in context.
- Keep the original wording when a replacement adds complexity without improving precision.
Definition decision workflow
1. Identify the role
Check whether "discretion" is acting as noun in your sentence. A definition is only useful when the grammar matches the way the word is being used.
2. Test the nearest option
Compare it with "prudence" and other nearby choices to see whether the sentence needs a softer, stronger, or more familiar word.
3. Confirm with context
Use the example sentence below as an evidence check, then read your own sentence out loud to catch tone or rhythm problems.
Review note: Definition pages are checked for source coverage, sentence evidence, synonym support, and editorial insight before they are treated as approval-ready pages. If the evidence is too thin, the page remains available to users but is kept out of the approval-facing indexed inventory.
Final meaning check
Before publishing a sentence with "discretion", ask whether the word helps the reader understand the idea faster. A precise word should reduce confusion, not simply make the sentence look more polished.
When the definition, synonym evidence, and example context point in the same direction, the word is usually a safer choice. When they conflict, revise the sentence or choose a clearer alternative.
Definitions
Noun
- 1 The quality of being discreet. uncountable, usually
"Bob showed great discretion despite his knowledge of the affair."
- 2 the trait of judging wisely and objectively wordnet
- 3 The ability to make wise choices or decisions. uncountable, usually
"With regard to a woman, at nine years of age, she was, if married, considered entitled to her dower; at twelve, she may consent to marriage; at fourteen, she is at years of discretion, and may choose a guardian; […]"
- 4 the power of making free choices unconstrained by external agencies wordnet
- 5 The freedom to make one's own judgements. uncountable, usually
"I leave that to your discretion."
Show 4 more definitions
- 6 knowing how to avoid embarrassment or distress wordnet
- 7 The freedom to make one's own judgements.; The authority to exercise one's own judgement in making decisions that have effect. uncountable, usually
"The police came and searched us at their discretion because we were shouting at each other's faces."
- 8 refined taste; tact wordnet
- 9 freedom to act or judge on one's own wordnet
Synonyms
All synonymsAntonyms
bureaucratic rulesdutch ordegoverning authority guidelinesofficial mandate
Example
"Discretion is proper to judges."
Common questions
What is a synonym for "discretion"?
Common synonyms include: prudence, a secret, airtight secrecy, aloofness, alternate choice, alternative.
How do you use "discretion" in a sentence?
Discretion is proper to judges.
How do you pronounce "discretion"?
Pronounced /dɪˈskɹɛʃən/.
Etymology
From Middle English discrecioun, from Old French discretion, from Late Latin discrētiō, from Latin discerno. Equivalent to discreet + -ion.