discretion Hear it!

discretion Definition

dis·cre·tion (di skres̸h′ən)

noun

  1. the freedom or authority to make decisions and choices; power to judge or act
  2. the quality of being discreet, or careful about what one does and says; prudence
  3. Archaic the action or power of discerning; judgment

Etymology: ME discrecioun < OFr discrecion < L discretio, separation (in LL, discernment) < discretus: see discreet

discretion Idioms

at one's discretion

as one wishes

discretion Synonyms

discretion

n.

  1. Cautious or prudent conduct

    caution, prudence, tact, diplomacy, foresight, mature judgment, circumspection, carefulness, guardedness, restraint, reserve, decorum, wariness, sound judgment, thoughtfulness, concern, consideration, watchfulness, precaution, good sense, providence, judiciousness, maturity, discernment, solicitude, forethought, deliberation, responsibility, sagacity, wisdom, presence of mind, uncommunicativeness, secrecy, delicacy; see also care 1, prudence, tact.

    Antonyms carelessness*, thoughtlessness*, rashness. *

  2. Power to judge or act

    option, inclination, preference, volition; see choice 1, will 3.

at one's discretion

as one wishes, at one's option, whenever appropriate; see any time, appropriately.

discretion Law Definition

n

The freedom of choice and of action of a judge, prosecutor, or other public official, within the defined scope of his or her responsibilities. For example, in a criminal matter a judge may have wide discretion to release the defendant on recognizance or to demand bail in any amount, based on the judge’s view of the defendant as a flight risk.

discretion Usage Examples

Converse of object

  • vest: But that is not what is to be expected of the exercise of the administrative discretion vested in the Home Secretary.
  • exercise: He was clearly asked about the scope for exercising discretion to waive excess absences.
  • confer: That does not confer a general discretion on the court.
  • constrain: When it comes to decentralization, their slogans are " constrained discretion " and " the new localism " .

Adjective modifier

  • sole: We, in our sole discretion, may add, delete or change some or the entire Site at any time.
  • absolute: We reserve the right to make such changes at our absolute discretion.
  • judicial: We have not been asked to review critically the quantum of the orders or the exercise of the judicial discretion.
  • his/her: At protracted incidents, the IC, at his/her discretion, may rotate the crew performing the role of RDSC.
  • utmost: Every inquiry is treated with courtesy and the utmost discretion.
  • managerial: The greater the degree of managerial discretion, the greater the need to ensure that managers are trained in how to avoid sex bias.

Noun used with modifier

admin: In exceptional circumstances then this rule may be waived at the admins discretion.

Possessives

  • judge: Style points will be awarded at each judge's discretion based on their impressions of the entire routine.
  • organizer: The distance for the Over 16 age group shall be at the organizer's discretion.

Preposition: in

favor: Discretion - No exercise of discretion in favor of the Registered Proprietor.

Preposition: of

  • archivist: A limited number of photocopies may be supplied at the discretion of the Archivist.
  • examiner: At the discretion of the examiners, students may also be given an oral examination on their thesis, essay(s ), and/or examinations.
  • moderator: Within each group the sort order is at the discretion of the moderators.
  • organizer: However, grades may be released at the discretion of the module organizer.
  • chair: Others may be invited to join at the discretion of the relevant Chair.
  • trustee: The allocation of scholarships is entirely at the discretion of the trustees.