discretion

The freedom or power to decide what should happen.

• Use your discretion when choosing guests.
• The manager has discretion to offer refunds.
• We left the final decision to her discretion.

How to use it: at someone’s discretion (Extra leave is granted at the manager’s discretion.); discretion to do something (The judge has discretion to reduce the fine.)

Similar words: choice, decision-making power

Common phrases: at your discretion, exercise discretion, discretion to decide, official discretion

The ability to make sensible choices and behave carefully without upsetting people.

• Please handle this matter with discretion.
• She showed discretion when discussing his mistake.
• A little discretion would have prevented that argument.

Similar words: tact, good judgment, prudence

Opposites: indiscretion

Common phrases: show discretion, use discretion, act with discretion

The ability to keep private information secret.

• You can count on my discretion.
• Her clients value her discretion about their private lives.
• We trusted him to treat the information with discretion.

Similar words: confidentiality

Opposites: indiscretion

Common phrases: complete discretion, count on discretion, rely on discretion