Word
discretion
Phoneticsdis·cre·tion, stress on the second syllable
US/dɪsˈkɹɛʃən/
UK/dɪskɹˈɛʃən/
Uncountable noun
Definition
n. the right or power to decide what should be done in a particular situation.
n. the power or right to decide or act according to one's own judgement. Often used in formal contexts regarding authority or legal power.
Examples
“The manager has the discretion to give you a refund.”
“Because the matter was highly sensitive, the diplomat handled the negotiations with great discretion to avoid a public scandal.”
“While the policy provides a general framework, local authorities are granted significant discretion to adapt the rules to the specific socioeconomic needs of their communities.”
Examples
simple
“The manager has the discretion to give you a refund.”
contextual
“Because the matter was highly sensitive, the diplomat handled the negotiations with great discretion to avoid a public scandal.”
complex
“While the policy provides a general framework, local authorities are granted significant discretion to adapt the rules to the specific socioeconomic needs of their communities.”
Collocations
Common phrases and expressions where native English speakers use the word “discretion” in context.
Verb
01. exercise discretion
“The committee members were asked to exercise discretion when discussing the sensitive personnel files.”
verb + noun
02. leave it to your discretion
“I will leave the final choice of venue to your discretion, as you know the city better than I do.”
verb + noun + prep + noun
Adjective
03. absolute discretion
“The judge has absolute discretion to decide whether the evidence is admissible in court.”
adj + noun
04. utmost discretion
“The private investigator handled the high-profile case with the utmost discretion.”
adj + noun
Noun
05. lack of discretion
“His unfortunate lack of discretion led to the confidential plans being leaked to the press.”
noun + of + noun
Preposition
06. at the discretion of
“The timing of the bonus payments is at the discretion of the department manager.”
prep + noun + prep
Usage
Commonly follows the preposition 'at' (e.g., 'at the manager's discretion').
Real-World Examples
“Legal representatives of Flanagan said it was clear that Staines was aware she had discretion as to whether she should allow an inspection and to what level after having considered all relevant matters.” “That documentary worked brilliantly because its subjects seemed so sweetly but devastatingly lacking in discretion or self-awareness that everything they said landed like a line from a Christopher Guest parody.” Etymology
From Middle English discrecioun, from Old French discretion, from Late Latin discrētiō, from Latin discerno. Equivalent to discreet + -ion.
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
Synonyms
Antonyms
Word family
NOUN
ADJECTIVE
- Exam level
- CambridgeCambridgeCambridge English QualificationsThe exam suite from Cambridge University Press & Assessment, from A1 Movers up to C2 Proficiency. The benchmark names double as CEFR labels.C1 AdvancedIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.7.0–8.0TOEFL iBTTOEFL iBTTest of English as a Foreign Language, Internet-Based TestETS's academic English test, the standard route for US university admissions. Scored 0–120, with a 1–6 scale since 2026.1–6 scale: 5.0–5.595–113TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.945–990
- Frequency
- Frequent
- Level
- C1 · AdvancedOxford
- Updated
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