discretion meaning

discretion means 'the ability to make decisions or choices carefully'.

discretion :

choice, judgment

noun

▪ Use your discretion when making decisions.

▪ Use your judgment when making choices.

▪ The manager has the discretion to approve the budget.

▪ The manager has the choice to approve the budget.

paraphrasing

▪ judgment – choice

▪ prudence – careful choice

▪ caution – careful judgment

▪ option – choice

discretion

Pronunciation

discretion [dɪˈskrɛʃən]

The stress is on 'scre' and sounds like 'di-skresh-un'.

Common phrases and grammar about discretion

discretion - Common meaning

noun
choice, judgment

Part of Speech Changes for "discretion"

▪ discretionary (adjective) – based on choice or judgment

▪ indiscretion (noun) – lack of judgment

Common Expressions with "discretion"

▪ at one's discretion – at one's choice

▪ exercise discretion – use judgment

▪ sole discretion – only choice

▪ discretion is advised – careful choice is advised

Important examples of discretion in TOEIC

Vocabulary examples from the TOEIC test

In TOEIC vocabulary questions, discretion is often used to mean having the power to decide.

▪Employees can use their discretion in handling complaints.
▪Employees can use their judgment in handling complaints.

Example of a confusing word: discrimination (unfair treatment)

▪Employees can use their discrimination in handling complaints.
▪Employees can use their unfair treatment in handling complaints.
"Discretion" refers to the ability or freedom to make decisions based on one's own judgment, which is appropriate in the context of handling complaints. "Discrimination," however, means "unfair treatment" or "prejudice" and is not a quality or ability that one can use in decision-making. The sentence "Employees can use their discrimination" is grammatically incorrect and conveys a completely different, inappropriate meaning. Thus, "discretion" is the correct choice.

Grammar examples from the TOEIC test

Discretion is often used in grammar questions to emphasize decision-making ability.

▪The final decision is at the manager's discretion.
▪The final decision is at the manager's choice.

discretion

Idioms and fixed expressions in TOEIC

at your discretion

'up to your choice', used in contexts where a decision is left to someone.

▪You can leave early at your discretion.
▪You can leave early if you choose.

viewer discretion is advised

means 'viewers should use judgment', used in media warnings.

▪Viewer discretion is advised for this program.
▪Viewers should use judgment for this program.

Differences between similar words and discretion

discretion

,

judgment

differences

Discretion is the ability to make choices, while judgment is the ability to make good choices.

discretion
▪She used her discretion to choose the best option.
▪She used her choice to choose the best option.
judgment
▪His judgment was praised for the decision.
▪His ability to make good choices was praised for the decision.

discretion

,

option

differences

Discretion involves making a choice, while option refers to the choices available.

discretion
▪She has the discretion to approve the changes.
▪There are many choices to choose from.
option
▪There are many options to choose from.
▪There are many choices to choose from.

Words with the same origin as discretion

The origin of discretion

discretion comes from the Latin 'discretio', which meant the ability to separate or distinguish.

Word structure

It has the prefix dis (apart), root cret (to separate), suffix ion (noun), and means 'to separate apart'.

Words with the same origin

The root of discretion is cret (to separate). Words with the same root include discrete (separate), secret (hidden).

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