discretion

noun

The ability to make wise choices or decisions.

The freedom to make one's own judgements.

The authority to exercise one's own judgement in making decisions that have effect.

The quality of being discreet.

Roots

disdis- · Latin · apart, not cerno-cret · Latin · separate, sift, discern

Synonyms for discretion

discreetnessn prudencen circumspectionn discernmentn judiciousnessn sagacityn tactn thoughtfulnessn cautionn cautiousnessn carefulnessn judgmentn moderationn wisdomn

Synonyms & related words for discretion

Find synonyms, related words, and the definition of discretion — including discreetness, prudence, circumspection, discernment, judiciousness, sagacity. Dendril is a free visual thesaurus that shows them on an interactive map where stronger matches sit closer to the center — no signup, no ads.

Words related to discretion

Explore words related to discretion — words associated with it, words that go with it, and its nearest matches in meaning. Related words include discretional, discretionary, tactfulness, sensibleness, delicacy, prerogative, chariness, judicious. Click any word to make it the center of the map and keep exploring the web of connections.

Synonyms for discretion

Common synonyms for discretion include discreetness, prudence, circumspection, discernment, judiciousness, sagacity, tact, thoughtfulness — words that share a close meaning. Hover or tap any word on the map for its definition and part of speech.

Where does discretion come from?

The word discretion breaks down into 2 roots of Latin origin: dis-, from Latin dis (“apart, not”); and -cret, from Latin cerno (“separate, sift, discern”). Explore each root to see other English words built from the same source.