noun

discretion

dih-SKRESH-un/dɪˈskreʃn/

Freedom to decide or act using one's own judgment

The supervisor uses discretion to choose between two work methods.

A responsible workshop supervisor considers two safe work approaches and chooses one with a calm thoughtful gesture, freedom of judgment.

Etymology

disLatinapart, away

+cretLatindistinguish, separate, sift

+ionLatinstate or action

Separating or sifting became the ability to distinguish between choices and judge them. From that discernment came the power or freedom to act according to one's own judgment.

In context

Town of Amherst, MA35:46

it's completely at your discretion whether you allow it or not

Conservation Commission Meeting Sep 13, 2023

More examples

Admission is at the manager's discretion.
The rule leaves little room for individual discretion.
She used her discretion to waive the fee.

Forms

discretion

Similar words

latitude: Similarly suggests freedom to choose within limits.
judgment: The ability or act of deciding, rather than authority to choose.