discretion

/dəˈskrɛʃən/

/dɪsˈkrɛʃən/

Other forms: discretions

If you have the freedom to decide something on your own, the decision is left to your discretion. You're in charge.

Discretion traces back to the Latin verb discernere, "to separate, to discern," from the prefix dis-, "off, away," plus cernere, "separate, sift." If you use discretion, you sift away what is not desirable, keeping only the good. If you have the freedom to choose, something is "at your discretion." Watch out when you hear the phrase "viewer discretion advised" on TV or at the movies — you will most likely encounter profanity and violence.

Definitions of discretion

1. noun

   the power of making free choices unconstrained by external agencies
   synonyms: free will

   types:

   self-determination

   the free choice of one's own goals and actions, without being forced by anybody or anything else

   type of:

   power, powerfulness

   possession of controlling influence
2. noun

   freedom to act or judge on one's own
   type of:

   liberty

   freedom of choice
3. noun

   the trait of judging wisely and objectively
   synonyms: discernment

   types:

   caution, circumspection

   the trait of being circumspect and prudent

   prudence

   discretion in practical affairs

   precaution

   the trait of practicing caution in advance

   chariness, wariness

   the trait of being cautious and watchful

   providence

   the prudence and care exercised by someone in the management of resources

   frugality, frugalness

   prudence in avoiding waste

   type of:

   wisdom, wiseness

   the trait of utilizing knowledge and experience with common sense and insight
4. noun

   knowing how to avoid embarrassment or distress
   “the servants showed great tact and discretion”

   synonyms: circumspection, discreetness, prudence

   types:

   confidentiality

   discretion in keeping secret information

   type of:

   discernment, judgement, judgment, sagaciousness, sagacity

   the mental ability to understand and discriminate between relations
5. noun

   refined taste; tact
   synonyms: delicacy

   type of:

   appreciation, discernment, perceptiveness, taste

   delicate discrimination (especially of aesthetic values)