discretion

4 definitions • 11 examples

the ability to behave without causing embarrassment or attracting too much attention, especially by keeping information secret:

the soul of discretion "Can you trust him with this?" "Yes, he's the soul of discretion (= he will not tell other people)."

the right or ability to decide something:

at the discretion of Students can be expelled at the discretion of the principal (= if the principal decides it).

I leave the decision to your discretion (= for you to decide).

choice, or the right to make a choice, based on judgment:

Troopers have discretion in deciding whom to stop for speeding.

Whether or not to hold the meeting is at the discretion of the president (= a decision to be made by the president).

the right to choose something, or to choose to do something, according to what seems most suitable in a particular situation:

at sb's discretion/at the discretion of sb Payment in lieu of notice to redundant workers is at the company's discretion.

exercise/use (your) discretion Economic and institutional constraints can make it difficult for senior managers to exercise discretion in their decisions.

leave it (up) to sb's discretion/leave it (up) to the discretion of sb Top-up insurance cover is left to the discretion of individuals and firms.

Bankruptcy managers have discretion to decide disputes.

broad/complete/considerable discretion

Sales staff were given discretion to offer customers a 10% discount.