discretion
noun
Definitions of discretion noun
behavior
- C2Uncountable
the quality of behaving or speaking in such a way as to avoid causing offense or revealing private information
She handled the sensitive matter with the utmost discretion.
In this situation, it’s best to exercise discretion and not reveal any details.
He is always careful not to reveal any secrets; he is truly a person of discretion.
authority
- Uncountableformal
the power or right to make decisions or choices based on one's own judgment
The judge has the discretion to decide the sentence based on the specific circumstances.
The manager has considerable discretion when handling customer complaints.
The company reserves the right to change its policies at any time, with the specific modifications at its discretion.
Idioms
- Discretion is the better part of valour
It is wiser to be cautious and avoid unnecessary risks in dangerous or difficult situations.
• Faced with the angry protesters, he chose to retreat back into the building, as he felt that 'discretion is the better part of valor'.
- discretion is the better part of valour
This idiom suggests that it is often wiser to be cautious and avoid unnecessary risks rather than being reckless, especially in dangerous situations.
• When he saw the group of drunk men, he decided to take a detour, because he believed that 'discretion is the better part of valor'.