discretionary
adj. C1 Advanced US //dɪsˈkɹɛʃəˌnɛɹi// UK //dɪskɹˈɛʃənəɹi// dis·cre·tionary
adj. available to be used or decided by someone based on what they think is best, rather than being fixed by a rule.
adj. left to individual judgement or choice rather than being dictated by fixed rules or requirements.
The manager has a discretionary fund for small office repairs.
After paying for rent and groceries, she had very little discretionary income left for hobbies or travel.
The judge exercised his discretionary powers to reduce the sentence, citing the defendant's lack of prior convictions and genuine remorse during the trial.
From discretion + -ary (“pertaining to”). Compare French discrétionnaire.
Usage
Often used to modify nouns related to finance or authority, such as 'income', 'spending', or 'power'.
- Noundiscretion
- Adjectivediscretionary