noun
latitude
Freedom to act, choose, or interpret.
The manager gives us latitude to choose our own methods.
Etymology
Latin latitudo means breadth. Freedom of action is pictured as having breadth or room in which to move rather than being narrowly confined.
More examples
- Teachers have considerable latitude in planning their lessons.
- The strict budget leaves little latitude for last-minute changes.
- The wording allows some latitude in interpreting the rules.
Similar words
- leeway
- Often emphasizes room to adjust within practical limits.
- discretion
- Emphasizes authority to decide using one's own judgment.
- flexibility
- Emphasizes the ability to adapt rather than permission to choose.