Definition of DISCRETION
DISCRETION Noun
Discretion is a noun that refers to the quality of being prudent, tactful, and careful in one’s actions, speech, or decision-making. It involves the ability to make wise and discerning choices, especially in situations where sensitivity, confidentiality, or diplomacy is required.
Judicious Decision-Making: The term implies the ability to exercise good judgment and make careful decisions, often considering the potential consequences or impact on others. Discretion involves weighing various factors before taking action.
Maintaining Confidentiality: In certain contexts, discretion is associated with the ability to keep information confidential and not disclose sensitive or private matters without proper authorization. It involves respecting and safeguarding confidential information.
Respecting Privacy: Discretion includes respecting the privacy of individuals and refraining from sharing personal or private details without permission. It entails a sense of restraint in discussions or actions that could potentially intrude on others’ personal affairs.
Avoiding Unnecessary Attention: The term also conveys the idea of avoiding unnecessary attention or publicity. Someone exercising discretion may choose to keep a low profile or handle matters quietly and without drawing unnecessary scrutiny.
Professional and Ethical Conduct: In professional settings, discretion is often associated with maintaining professional standards and ethical conduct. Professionals, such as healthcare providers, lawyers, and counselors, are expected to exercise discretion in their interactions with clients or patients.
Delicate Handling of Situations: The term encompasses the skill of delicately handling situations that require sensitivity, empathy, and a nuanced approach. Discretion allows individuals to navigate complex or challenging circumstances with care.
Practical Wisdom: Discretion is linked to practical wisdom or the ability to apply knowledge and experience effectively in real-life situations. It involves a nuanced understanding of when and how to act or speak.
In summary, “discretion” as a noun encompasses the quality of making wise, tactful, and careful decisions, often involving considerations of confidentiality, privacy, and the well-being of others. It is a valuable trait in personal, professional, and social contexts.
Examples of DISCRETION in a sentence
- He used his discretion to decide whether to approve the request.
- It’s important to exercise discretion when discussing sensitive topics.
- She handled the situation with discretion, ensuring confidentiality.
- The judge showed discretion in sentencing, considering the circumstances.
- Employees are expected to use their discretion when dealing with customer complaints.
- He appreciated her discretion in keeping their conversation private.
- The CEO relied on his executive team’s discretion to make important decisions.
- The therapist maintained discretion regarding her clients’ personal information.
Origin of DISCRETION
The term “discretion” originates from the Middle English word “discrecioun,” which is derived from the Old French “discrecion,” and ultimately from the Latin “discretio,” meaning “discernment” or “judgment.” Here’s the breakdown:
- Discretio (Latin): Referring to “discernment” or “judgment.”
- Discrecion (Old French): Borrowed from Latin, maintaining a similar meaning.
- Discrecioun (Middle English): Derived from Old French, evolving into “discretion.”
- Discretion (Modern English): Evolved from Middle English, retaining the sense of discernment, judgment, or the freedom to make choices wisely.
Therefore, “discretion” originally described the ability to discern or judge wisely, and it now primarily refers to the freedom to make decisions or choices judiciously and with careful consideration of the circumstances.
Synonyms
- Prudence
- Caution
- Circumspection
- Judiciousness
- Diplomacy
- Tact
- Reserve
- Discrimination
Antonyms
- Indiscretion
- Imprudence
- Recklessness
- Carelessness
- Folly
- Rashness
- Indiscrimination
- Impulsiveness
Related
- Confidentiality
- Sensitivity
- Privacy
- Secrecy
- Consideration
- Wisdom
- Cautiousness
- Prudent decision-making
🌐 🇬🇧 DISCRETION in other languages
| Spanish 🇪🇸 | Discreción |
| French 🇫🇷 | Discrétion |
| German 🇩🇪 | Diskretion |
| Chinese (simpl) 🇨🇳 | 审慎 |
| Chinese (trad) 🇨🇳 | 審慎 |
| Italian 🇮🇹 | Riservatezza |
| Portuguese 🇵🇹 | Critério |
| Dutch 🇳🇱 | Discretie |
| Swedish 🇸🇪 | Diskretion |
| Norwegian 🇳🇴 | Diskresjon |
| Finnish 🇫🇮 | Harkinnanvaraisuus |
| Romanian 🇷🇴 | Discreție |
| Polish 🇵🇱 | Dyskrecja |
| Hungarian 🇭🇺 | Belátása |
| Czech 🇨🇿 | Uvážení |
| Bulgarian 🇧🇬 | Дискретност |
| Ukrainian 🇺🇦 | Дискретність |
| Russian 🇷🇺 | Осмотрительность |
| Turkish 🇹🇷 | Takdir |
| Azerbaijani 🇦🇿 | Mülahizə |
| Armenian 🇦🇲 | Հայեցողություն |
| Arabic 🇸🇦 | تقدير |
| Hebrew 🇮🇱 | שיקול דעת |
| Urdu 🇵🇰 | صوابدید |
| Farsi/Persian 🇮🇷 | اختیار |
| Hindi 🇮🇳 | विवेक |
| Bengaleli/se 🇧🇩 | বিচক্ষণতা |
| Marathi 🇮🇳 | विवेक |
| Telugu 🇮🇳 | విచక్షణ |
| Tamil 🇮🇳 | விவேகம் |
| Gujarati 🇮🇳 | વિવેક |
| Kannada 🇮🇳 | ವಿವೇಚನೆ |
| Odia (Orya) 🇮🇳 | ବିଚକ୍ଷଣତା | |
| Malayalam 🇮🇳 | വിവേചനാധികാരം |
| Punjabi 🇮🇳 | ਵਿਵੇਕ |
| Sinhala/ese 🇱🇰 | අභිමතය |
| Nepali 🇳🇵 | विवेक |
| Burmese 🇲🇲 | သမ္မာသတိ |
| Thai 🇹🇭 | ดุลยพินิจ |
| Vietnamese 🇻🇳 | tùy ý |
| Malay 🇲🇾 | Kebijaksanaan |
| Indonesian 🇮🇩 | Kebijaksanaan |
| Tagalog 🇵🇭 | Pagpapasya |
| Japanese 🇯🇵 | 裁量 |
| Korean 🇰🇷 | 재량 |
| Oromo 🇪🇹 | Of eeggannoo |
| Somali 🇸🇴 | Caqiidada |
| Amharic 🇪🇹 | አስተዋይነት |
| Swahili 🇹🇿 | Busara |
| Yoruba 🇳🇬 | Lakaye |
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