noun
discretion
Care in speaking or acting to avoid revealing private matters or causing embarrassment
The doctor discusses the matter with discretion.
Etymology
The Latin noun concerns distinguishing and judging. Discretion is the careful judgment that recognizes what should be said or done and what is better withheld.
More examples
- We trusted his discretion with the confidential news.
- A little discretion would have spared her embarrassment.
- She handled the delicate question with tact and discretion.
Forms
discretion
discreet adjective — careful about privacy or embarrassment
Similar words
- tact
- More specifically concerns avoiding offense or embarrassment.
- tactfulness
- Specifically emphasizes avoiding offense in dealing with people.