discretion

Everyday

1. Discretion is being careful not to tell secrets or upset people. tree →
2. Discretion is the freedom to decide what to do: at the teacher's discretion. tree →
3. (formal) Viewer discretion means take care, some things may upset you. tree →
4. Discretion can also mean good judgement, being sensible and wise about what to do. tree →

In the lessons

School rules (at the head's discretion), adult life, TV warnings («viewer discretion advised»).

Examples

• Please use discretion with this secret. tree →
• Homework extensions are at the teacher's discretion. tree →
• The nurse acted with discretion. tree →
• Viewer discretion is advised. tree →
• Leave the tip to your discretion. tree →
• The doctor treated the family's news with discretion. tree →
• You have genius, but no discretion. tree →

Note

Adjective: discreet (careful, not discrete = separate). Spelling: dis-CRE-tion.

In Jewish tradition

In Proverbs it is a quality of wisdom that guards a person from harm. It is taught to the young, along with prudence and knowledge.

Interpretation. The tradition reads discretion as a fruit of wisdom that protects a person's lips and steps.

Examples

• Discretion shall watch over thee, discernment shall guard thee; (Writings PRO.2.11, JPS 1917) tree →
• That thou mayest preserve discretion, and that thy lips may keep knowledge. (Writings PRO.5.2, JPS 1917) tree →
• To give prudence to the simple, to the young man knowledge and discretion; (Writings PRO.1.4, JPS 1917) tree →

Note

Adjective: discreet (careful, not discrete = separate). Spelling: dis-CRE-tion.