What Does Discretion Mean?

Discretion refers to acting in a judicious or discreet manner. Whenever a person exercises prudence in actions and behavior, he is said to be observing discretion. A discreet person is known for his decision powers and making them within certain boundaries. A discreet person is cautious and often employs tact and maturity while making decisions. The synonyms of discretion are caution, diplomacy, tact, careful, cautious etc.

There is a popular proverb "discretion is a better part of valor," which means that one should not be blinded by risk taking to such an extent that he does not weigh the repercussions of the act. The proverb is as good as "look before you leap," which implies taking calculated risks.

People in power or those who command authority are in a position to use discretion to decide about a course of action to be followed by their subordinates. People like the judge, the prosecutor and the police officers are in position to exercise discretion about the amount of fines and penalties they can levy on the offenders. They can either impose a fine or put the law-makers behind the bars as per their discretion, in accordance with the law.

The term discretion is a noun which is used to refer to the quality of being discreet. It is sometimes used as a synonym for the terms circumspection or prudence. It could imply the ability or the power to decide in a responsible manner. The term could also be used to mean the freedom to either act or judge on your own. It could also refer to refined taste; tact. Other synonyms for the term include the words free will and discernment.

It is popularly used in the proverb which states that "discretion is the better part of valour".

The adjective form of the word discretion is the term discretional while the adverb form of the same is the term discretionally.

1.  The power or right to decide or act according to one's own judgment; freedom of judgment or choice: It is entirely within my discretion whether I will go or stay.   2. The quality of being discreet, esp. With reference to one's own actions or speech; prudence or decorum: Throwing all discretion to the winds, he blurted out the truth.

Discretion is when something is done without it being obvious..or quietly/secretly

To be careful do what you think is right

Knowing how to avoid embarrassment or distress.

The other answer is blatantly copied and pasted from site.In simple terms people!

My friend text me today and sent my a verse from the bible and it said proverbs chapter 11 verse 22 as a jewl of gold in a swine's snout, so is a far woman which is without discretion. Why did he say that for?