discretion
freedom or power to decide
The power or freedom to choose what to do in a situation.
at [someone]'s discretion
- The final decision will be at the manager’s discretion.
- Teachers have some discretion in how they design their lessons.
- Refunds are given at the company’s discretion and are not guaranteed.
- Under the new law, sentencing is left to the judge’s discretion.
- Parents are encouraged to use their own discretion when allowing children to watch this film.
- The coach will choose the team at his discretion.
- Employees can work from home at their manager’s discretion.
- The doctor used her discretion and kept him in the hospital.
- The school gives teachers some discretion over homework.
- Entry is free for children, but adults pay at the owner's discretion.
care in keeping things private
The ability to keep things private and not say or do things that may hurt or embarrass other people.
discretion in [handling something]
- I trust you to handle this matter with the utmost discretion.
- Thank you for your discretion regarding my medical condition.
- The interview was arranged in complete discretion to avoid media attention.
- Because of the sensitive nature of the project, we expect total discretion from all staff.
- She showed great discretion by not repeating the rumor.
- He did not talk about her problem out of discretion.
- The boss wants us to act with discretion about this plan.
- She used discretion and did not say his name.
- We must show discretion when we talk about patient information.
- I like his discretion; he never shares my secrets.
ability to judge wisely
The ability to decide what is best to do by thinking carefully.
use your discretion in [verb+ing]
- You can use your discretion in choosing which candidates to invite for a second interview.
- Our editors are expected to exercise discretion when selecting which stories to publish.
- The role requires someone with the discretion to balance customer needs and company policy.
- Please use your own discretion in deciding how much detail to include in the report.
- Doctors must show professional discretion when recommending treatment options.
- You should use your discretion when you spend money.
- Teachers can use their discretion when they give extra help.
- He did not follow the rule exactly; he used his discretion.
- The manager told me to use my discretion about working from home.
- She showed good discretion when she chose a simple solution.
official power to decide
Official power, especially in law, to decide what to do in a case.
[action] is at the discretion of [authority]
- Bail is granted at the discretion of the court.
- The new policy gives immigration officers greater discretion at the border.
- Sentencing guidelines still allow judges considerable discretion in individual cases.
- Prosecutorial discretion plays a major role in deciding which cases go to trial.
- Under the contract, bonuses are paid at the sole discretion of the company.
- The length of the prison term is at the judge’s discretion.
- Police have some discretion when they decide to give a warning or a fine.
- The company keeps the right to change prices at its discretion.
- Teachers have limited discretion under the new school rules.
- The law gives the minister wide discretion in this area.
- Base: discretion
- Plural: discretion
at (someone's) discretion
1decided by a specific person
Used to say that one named person is free to decide what will happen.
- Scholarships may be renewed each year at the university’s discretion.
- Use of the company car is granted at the manager’s discretion.
exercise discretion
1use given judgment or freedom
To use your power or good judgment to decide what to do.
- Officers are expected to exercise discretion when enforcing minor rules.
- Please exercise discretion when sharing client information outside the team.
leave (something) to (someone's) discretion
1let someone decide about something
To let another person decide what to do about something.
- We’ll leave the exact starting time to your discretion.
- The budget for decorations is left to the committee’s discretion.
parental discretion is advised
1warning for parents about content
A warning that parents should decide carefully if the content is OK for their children.
- This film contains scenes of violence; parental discretion is advised.
- Some material may not be suitable for young viewers, and parental discretion is advised.
use your discretion
1make your own careful decision
Telling someone to decide for themselves what is best to do.
- If the weather gets worse, use your discretion about cancelling the event.
- You can use your discretion when deciding how much detail to include.
discretion is the better part of valor
1caution is wiser than bravery
It is often smarter to be careful and avoid danger than to be brave and take a big risk.
- He decided not to confront his boss; sometimes discretion is the better part of valor.
- He wanted to argue, but decided that discretion is the better part of valor and kept quiet.
- We chose to cancel the climb, believing that discretion is the better part of valor.
- Remember, discretion is the better part of valor—there’s no need to climb in that storm.
- She thought about confronting her boss, but chose to wait, believing that discretion is the better part of valor.
viewer discretion is advised
1warning about possibly disturbing content
A warning before a TV show or video that tells people the content may not be suitable or may be upsetting for some viewers.
- The program contains strong language, so viewer discretion is advised.
- The following program contains strong language; viewer discretion is advised.
- Before the violent scene, a message appeared on screen saying, "Viewer discretion is advised."
- Due to graphic images, viewer discretion is advised for this report.
- This documentary discusses sensitive topics; viewer discretion is advised for younger audiences.