discretion

noun

dis·​cre·​tion di-ˈskre-shən How to pronounce discretion (audio)
1
a
: individual choice or judgment
left the decision to his discretion
b
: power of free decision or latitude of choice within certain legal bounds
reached the age of discretion
2
: the quality of having or showing discernment or good judgment : the quality of being discreet : circumspection
especially : cautious reserve in speech
3
: ability to make responsible decisions
4
: the result of separating or distinguishing

Examples of discretion in a Sentence

Though it is worth noting that to live in a place where other people come just for pleasure has the odd effect of making me feel transient, while the visitors seem more fixed and permanent in their lives, coming as they do from more conventional homes far away. It is as if I am always waiting for them and am here at their discretion. Richard Ford, Wall Street Journal, 14-15 June 2008
In Texas "capital" murder doesn't necessarily mean a death-penalty case; it's the designation for any aggravated murder, and prosecutors have full discretion in deciding whether to seek death in such cases. John Cloud, Time, 14 July 2003
Del Monte was a courtier, bureaucrat, diplomat and politician born and bred and he understood the need for discretion. Peter Robb, The Man Who Became Caravaggio, (1998) 1999
Each artist in the gallery has discretion over the price that will be charged for his or her work. The coach used his own discretion to let the injured quarterback play. He always uses care and discretion when dealing with others. She handled the awkward situation with great discretion.
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
This enforcement discretion is aimed at supporting entities actively working toward full compliance. Jon McGowan, Forbes, 11 Dec. 2024 Legal experts say the decision highlights a growing trend of judicial deference to executive branch discretion in immigration matters. Jesus Mesa, Newsweek, 10 Dec. 2024 The Academy Award-winning filmmaker is only the 37th director to receive the distinguished honor, awarded at the discretion of current and past DGA presidents, in the Guild’s 88-year history. Brande Victorian, The Hollywood Reporter, 10 Dec. 2024 Which countries qualify for TPS is also at the discretion of the executive branch, meaning renewal is never certain. Astrid Galván, Axios, 7 Dec. 2024 See all Example Sentences for discretion 

Word History

Etymology

Middle English discrecioun "rational perception, moral discernment, good judgment," borrowed from Anglo-French & Late Latin; Anglo-French discreciun, descrecion, borrowed from Late Latin discrētiōn-, discrētiō "separation, act or power of distinguishing, caution, prudence," going back to Latin, "division, discrimination," from discrē-, variant stem of discernere "to separate, distinguish" + -tiōn-, -tiō, suffix of verbal action — more at discern

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 2

Time Traveler
The first known use of discretion was in the 14th century

Dictionary Entries Near discretion

Cite this Entry

“Discretion.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/discretion. Accessed 23 Dec. 2024.

Kids Definition

discretion

noun
dis·​cre·​tion dis-ˈkresh-ən How to pronounce discretion (audio)
1
: the quality of being discreet : prudence
2
a
: individual choice or judgment
left the decision to your discretion
b
: power of free decision
reached the age of discretion
discretionary
-ˈkresh-ə-ˌner-ē
adjective

Legal Definition

discretion

noun
dis·​cre·​tion dis-ˈkre-shən How to pronounce discretion (audio)
: power of free decision or latitude of choice within certain bounds imposed by law
reached the age of discretion
struck down death penalty provisions administered through unbridled jury discretionL. H. Tribe
: as
a
: the power of a judge to use his or her own judgment in making decisions guided by what is fair and equitable and by principles of law see also abuse of discretion
b
: the power of a public official or employee to act and make decisions based on his or her own judgment or conscience within the bounds of reason and the law

More from Merriam-Webster on discretion

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