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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

Webster's New World College Dictionary Copyright © 2009 by Wiley Publishing, Inc., Cleveland, Ohio.
Used by arrangement with John Wiley & Sons, Inc.

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