discretion
/dɪˈskrɛʃ.ən/ IELTSAcademic
noun
- 1.
Careful judgment about what to do or say, especially in a sensitive situation. It also means the freedom to decide something for yourself.
- Please use discretion when sharing private details.
- The manager acted with discretion.
- 2.
The quality of keeping information secret and behaving without causing offense. This use is common in formal or business contexts.
- She handled the complaint with discretion.
- We chose a lawyer known for discretion.
Adinary Nuance
Discretion is not the same as caution, secrecy, or tact, though it can include all three. Use discretion when you want to stress good judgment and careful choice, especially with private or sensitive matters. In formal English, it can also mean the power to decide something yourself.
In other languages
- Vietnamese
- sự thận trọng
- Spanish
- discreción
- Chinese
- 谨慎
- Japanese
- 慎重さ
- Korean
- 신중함
Etymology
From Latin discretio, meaning “separation” or “distinction,” through Old French into English in the Middle Ages. The idea of making careful distinctions shaped its modern meaning.
Common phrases
use discretionat someone's discretionwith discretionleft to your discretion
Synonyms
Related words
Frequently asked questions
- Is discretion formal or informal?
- It is fairly formal. You will often see it in business, law, and official writing.
- What is the difference between discretion and tact?
- Tact is skill in speaking without upsetting people. Discretion is broader and includes careful judgment and privacy.
- What does 'at your discretion' mean?
- It means you can decide for yourself. The choice is left to you.
- Is discretion used in IELTS writing?
- Yes. It can help in formal essays about privacy, leadership, and decision-making.