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📕 rednote ID(小红书号)：3881567312

Discretion: Definition, Usage & Common Mistakes (2 meaning)

Meaning 1：tact (discretion)

discretion 🔊

/dɪˈskreʃ(ə)n/

Being careful about what you say or do, to avoid upsetting people or causing problems.

tact 🔊

➕

/tækt/

The quality of behaving or speaking in a way that avoids causing offense or revealing private information.

📁 Category：Behaviors & Actions 🔖 Level：Intermediate

📘 Details & Usage

📖 Root Explanation

From Latin 'discretio' (separation, discernment), from 'discernere' (to separate, discern).

💡 Mnemonic

Think: DISCREET + DECISION = Discretion. A person showing discretion makes a careful, discreet decision.

📖 Example

My doctor is known for her discretion, so I feel safe sharing my health concerns with her. 🔊 My doctor is known for her tact, so I feel safe sharing my health concerns with her.

🔗 Collocations

use discretion – to act with careful judgment

utmost discretion – the highest level of confidentiality and care

discretion is advised – a warning to be careful or prudent

🔄 Synonyms

tact (n.) – Skill in dealing with others without causing offense.

diplomacy (n.) – The art of handling sensitive situations tactfully.

prudence (n.) – Wisdom and caution in practical affairs.

🚫 Antonyms

indiscretion (n.) – Lack of discretion; an imprudent act.

tactlessness (n.) – The quality of being insensitive in speech or action.

🌱 Derivatives

discreet (adj.) – Careful and circumspect in one's speech or actions.

discretionary (adj.) – Available for use at the user's discretion.

📖 Cultural Story

The word 'discretion' originates from Latin 'discretio', meaning 'separation' or 'discernment'. It entered English via Old French, initially relating to judicial separation of facts. Its modern legal sense, the power to make independent decisions (judge's discretion), solidified in the 16th century.

Meaning 2：latitude (discretion)

discretion 🔊

/dɪˈskreʃ(ə)n/

The freedom or power to decide what to do based on your own judgment.

latitude 🔊

➕

/ˈlæt.ɪ.tjuːd/

The freedom or authority to make decisions and choices based on one's own judgment within given limits.

📁 Category：Laws & Regulations 🔖 Level：Intermediate

📘 Details & Usage

📖 Example

The manager gave me full discretion over how to decorate the new office space. 🔊 The manager gave me full latitude over how to decorate the new office space.

🔗 Collocations

at one's discretion – according to one's own judgment or choice

full discretion – complete freedom to decide

judicial discretion – a judge's power to make decisions within the law

🔄 Synonyms

latitude (n.) – Freedom to act and make choices within certain limits.

leeway (n.) – The amount of freedom to move or act that is available.

autonomy (n.) – The right or condition of self-government or making independent decisions.

🚫 Antonyms

obligation (n.) – A duty or commitment that restricts freedom of choice.

mandate (n.) – An official order or command, leaving little room for choice.

🌱 Derivatives

discretionary (adj.) – Available for use at the user's discretion.