exercise-professional-discretion
/ˈek.sə.saɪz ˌprɒ.feʃ.ən.əl dɪˈskreʃ.ən/ IELTSAcademic
phrase
to use your own careful judgment at work, especially when a rule does not clearly say what to do.
- The manager may exercise professional discretion.
- Doctors often exercise professional discretion in sensitive cases.
- She exercised professional discretion before sharing the report.
Adinary Nuance
This phrase is more formal than use judgment and more specific than decide carefully. It usually suggests a professional role, where someone is trusted to choose the best action. It is close to act at your discretion, but this phrase sounds more official and work-related.
In other languages
- Vietnamese
- dùng quyền phán đoán
- Spanish
- ejercer discreción profesional
- Chinese
- 行使专业判断
- Japanese
- 専門的判断を行う
- Korean
- 전문적 판단을 행사하다
Etymology
This phrase combines exercise, from Latin exercere, and discretion, from Latin discretio, meaning judgment or choice. It became common in formal English, especially in legal, medical, and administrative settings.
Common phrases
exercise professional discretionexercise discretionwithin professional discretion
Synonyms
Related words
Frequently asked questions
- Is exercise professional discretion formal or informal?
- It is formal. People use it in business, law, healthcare, and official writing.
- What is the difference between exercise professional discretion and use judgment?
- Exercise professional discretion is more formal and professional. Use judgment is simpler and more everyday.
- Can I use this phrase in a workplace email?
- Yes, especially in careful or official messages. It sounds respectful and professional.