discretion
UK[dɪˈskreʃn]US[dɪˈskreʃn]
n
The freedom or power to decide what should be done in a particular situation.
n
The quality of behaving or speaking in such a way as to avoid causing offense or revealing private information.
Morpheme Breakdown
dis
cret
ion
dis
apart
cret
separate
ion
noun suffix
Etymology
The word 'discretion' originates from the Latin verb discernere, meaning "to separate" or "to distinguish." This verb itself is composed of the prefix dis- ("apart") and cernere ("to sift, decide"). The abstract noun form discretio evolved in Late Latin to signify the "power to make distinctions" or "good judgment." Over time, the meaning shifted in English from the literal act of separation to the metaphorical ability to make wise and careful distinctions in behavior or speech, embodying the concepts of prudence and confidentiality.
Analysis
Structure: dis (apart) + cret (separate) + ion (noun suffix)
- dis: Latin origin, a prefix meaning "apart" or "away."
- cret: Latin origin, from the root of cernere, meaning "to separate" or "to sift."
- ion: Latin origin, a suffix forming nouns indicating an action, process, or state.
Examples
The amount of the bonus is left to the manager's discretion.
She handled the sensitive matter with great discretion.
You may use your discretion in choosing the method of payment.