discretion

Meanings

1. 1
   noun

   knowing how to avoid embarrassment or distress

   the servants showed great tact and discretion

2. 2
   noun

   The quality of being discreet.

   Bob showed great discretion despite his knowledge of the affair.

3. 3
   noun

   The ability to make wise choices or decisions.

   With regard to a woman, at nine years of age, she was, if married, considered entitled to her dower; at twelve, she may consent to marriage; at fourteen, she is at years of discretion, and may choose a guardian; […]

4. 4
   noun

   The freedom to make one's own judgements.

   I leave that to your discretion.

5. 5
   noun

   the trait of judging wisely and objectively

6. 6
   noun

   the power of making free choices unconstrained by external agencies

7. 7
   noun

   refined taste

8. 8
   noun

   freedom to act or judge on one's own

Etymology

From Middle English discrecioun, from Old French discretion, from Late Latin discrētiō, from Latin discerno. Equivalent to discreet + -ion.