Though it is worth noting that to live in a place where other people come just for pleasure has the odd effect of making me feel transient, while the visitors seem more fixed and permanent in their lives, coming as they do from more conventional homes far away. It is as if I am always waiting for them and am here at their discretion.—👁 Image Richard Ford, Wall Street Journal, 14-15 June 2008In Texas "capital" murder doesn't necessarily mean a death-penalty case; it's the designation for any aggravated murder, and prosecutors have full discretion in deciding whether to seek death in such cases.—👁 Image John Cloud, Time, 14 July 2003Del Monte was a courtier, bureaucrat, diplomat and politician born and bred and he understood the need for discretion.—👁 Image Peter Robb, The Man Who Became Caravaggio, (1998) 1999
Each artist in the gallery has discretion over the price that will be charged for his or her work.
The coach used his own discretion to let the injured quarterback play.
He always uses care and discretion when dealing with others.
She handled the awkward situation with great discretion.
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At that time, an inspector may choose to close the business at their discretion.—👁 Image Lillie Davidson, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 4 Apr. 2026 The closures are at the discretion of the NYPD, so there is no set time for when streets will reopen to traffic.—👁 Image Katie Houlis, CBS News, 4 Apr. 2026 The council opted for a non-subscription vendor, and police have discretion to select one without returning to the council for final approval.—👁 Image Ryan MacAsero, Mercury News, 3 Apr. 2026 Outgoing minister De la Fuente, who served in the role since October 2024, was known for his discretion and negotiating skills.—👁 Image María Verza, Los Angeles Times, 2 Apr. 2026 See All Example Sentences for discretion
Word History
Etymology
Middle English discrecioun "rational perception, moral discernment, good judgment," borrowed from Anglo-French & Late Latin; Anglo-French discreciun, descrecion, borrowed from Late Latin discrētiōn-, discrētiō "separation, act or power of distinguishing, caution, prudence," going back to Latin, "division, discrimination," from discrē-, variant stem of discernere "to separate, distinguish" + -tiōn-, -tiō, suffix of verbal action — more at discern
: power of free decision or latitude of choice within certain bounds imposed by law
reached the age of discretion
struck down death penalty provisions administered through unbridled jury discretion—👁 Image L. H. Tribe
: as
a
: the power of a judge to use his or her own judgment in making decisions guided by what is fair and equitable and by principles of law see also abuse of discretion
b
: the power of a public official or employee to act and make decisions based on his or her own judgment or conscience within the bounds of reason and the law
