discretion
[noun]
Synonyms:
- tact, carefulness, caution, consideration, diplomacy, judiciousness, prudence, wariness
- choice, inclination, pleasure, preference, volition, will

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Antonyms: indiscretion
Contrasted words: asininity, fatuousness, foolishness, simplicity, foolhardiness, rashness, recklessness
Related Words: moderation, restraint, gumption, judgment, sense, wisdom

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English Thesaurus: care, caution, prudence, vigilance, regard for something, ...

[TahlilGaran] English Synonym Dictionary ▲

di‧scre‧tion AC /dɪˈskreʃən/ noun [uncountable]

1. the ability and right to decide exactly what should be done in a particular situation
at sb’s discretion (=according to someone’s decision)
The awards are made at the discretion of the committee.
Promotions are left to the discretion of the supervisor.
discretion over/as to
People want to have more discretion over their working hours.
use/exercise your discretion
The judge exercised his discretion rightly to admit the evidence.
discretion to do something
The committee has the absolute discretion to refuse applications.

2. the ability to deal with situations in a way that does not offend, upset, or embarrass people or tell any of their secrets ⇒ indiscretion:
British newspapers no longer feel they must treat the royal family with discretion.

3. discretion is the better part of valour used to say that it is better to be careful than to take unnecessary risks

[TahlilGaran] Dictionary of Contemporary English ▲

discretion
noun
I. freedom to make decisions
ADJ. considerable, full, greater, more, wide | absolute, complete, unfettered The school governors have absolute discretion over which pupils they admit.
executive, judicial, management/managerial, personal, professional The president used his executive discretion to pardon the two men.
VERB + DISCRETION exercise, have, use The police exercise discretion in the area of minor traffic offences.
give sb They would like local authorities to be given greater discretion as to how the money is spent.
leave sth to ‘Do you want me to do the job myself or hire a photographer?’ ‘I leave it to your discretion.’
PREP. at sb's ~ Bail is granted at the discretion of the court. There is no service charge and tipping is at your discretion.
~ about We have discretion about how much to charge.
~ as to She has considerable discretion as to how the money is spent.
~ over giving judges more discretion over sentencing
PHRASES the exercise/operation of discretion

[TahlilGaran] Collocations Dictionary ▲

discretion
II. being discreet
ADJ. great, the utmost
VERB + DISCRETION call for, need, require This case calls for the utmost discretion.
rely on This is confidential, but I know that I can rely on your discretion.
PREP. with ~ to conduct enquiries with discretion.
PHRASES a lack of discretion, a need for discretion

[TahlilGaran] Collocations Dictionary ▲

care if you do something with care, you are careful to avoid damage, mistakes etc:
She put the needle in with great care.
Everyone should take care in the sun.
caution care to avoid danger or risks, or care about trusting information that might not be true:
Her evidence should be treated with caution.
There was a certain lack of caution among investors.
prudence a sensible and careful attitude that makes you avoid unnecessary risks - a rather formal use:
Banks should show more prudence in lending money.
vigilance careful attention to what is happening, so that you will notice any danger or illegal activity:
Governments from across the world have called for greater vigilance against Internet-based crime.
There is a need for constant vigilance to protect vulnerable people.
regard for something careful attention and consideration shown to something, to avoid danger or risks - used especially when someone fails to do this:
The court heard that the company had shown no regard for the safety of its employees.
These men are cold-blooded killers and have little regard for human life.
tact care not to say anything that might offend or upset someone:
He handled the matter with a great deal of tact.
discretion care to deal with situations in a way that does not embarrass, upset or offend people, especially by not telling any of their secrets:
Any confidential information was treated with discretion.
take care of somebody (also look after somebody especially British English) to make sure a child or an old or sick person is safe and has the things they need:
I have to look after my little brother.
Taking care of a baby is hard work.
She is taking care of her grandmother while her grandfather is in hospital.
care for somebody to take care of someone. Care for somebody is less common and more formal than take care of/look after somebody:
He was cared for by a team of nurses.
Caring for an elderly relative can be very rewarding.
nurse to look after someone who is ill:
He nursed his wife through a long illness.
The monks nursed him back to health (=looked after him until he was well again).
babysit to look after children in the evening while their parents go out somewhere:
I’ll ask Jane to babysit on Wednesday night.
He used to babysit for Mary when she worked nights.
mind British English to look after a child while their parents are not there, especially for a short time:
Will you mind the baby while I go to the shop?

[TahlilGaran] English Thesaurus ▲

discretion
dɪsˈkreʃən
See: throw caution to the winds also throw discretion to the winds

[TahlilGaran] English Idioms Dictionary ▲