discretion — the quality of behaving or speaking in such a way as to avoid causing offense or revealing private information
Part of speech: NOUN
Definition: the quality of behaving or speaking in such a way as to avoid causing offense or revealing private information
Pronunciation (IPA): /dɪˈskreʃən/
Example Sentences
- The gossip columnist showed zero discretion when she published the celebrity's private messages.
- My boss said I could leave early at my discretion, so I'm using my 'get out of jail free' card!
- The teacher uses her discretion to give extra credit to students who show genuine effort.
discretion
NOUN[/dɪˈskreʃən/]
the quality of behaving or speaking in such a way as to avoid causing offense or revealing private information
The butler handled the scandal with quiet discretion, protecting the family's name.
Handle secretion and excretion with discretion
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🎤Pronunciation
🌳Etymology
Origin
From Latin 'discretio,' derived from 'discretus,' the past participle of 'discernere' meaning 'to separate' or 'to distinguish.' The word entered English through Old French and came to mean the ability to judge what is appropriate or private.
Breakdown
dis- (apart) + cernere (to separate/distinguish) + -ion (noun suffix) = discretion (the quality of distinguishing what should be kept private)
🎵Rhyme
🔗Collocations
📝Examples
“The gossip columnist showed zero discretion when she published the celebrity's private messages.”
“My boss said I could leave early at my discretion, so I'm using my 'get out of jail free' card!”
“The teacher uses her discretion to give extra credit to students who show genuine effort.”
“He kept his lottery win secret with the discretion of a CIA agent guarding state secrets.”
📚Related Words
Synonyms
Antonyms
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