Longman Dictionary of Contemporary English homepage

discretion

 noun
     
di‧scre‧tion [uncountable]
1 the ability and right to decide exactly what should be done in a particular situation
at somebody's discretion (=according to someone's decision)
The awards are made at the discretion of the committee.
Promotions are left to the discretion of the supervisor.
discretion over/as to
People want to have more discretion over their working hours.
use/exercise your discretion
The judge exercised his discretion rightly to admit the evidence.
discretion to do something
The committee has the absolute discretion to refuse applications.
2 the ability to deal with situations in a way that does not offend, upset, or embarrass people or tell any of their secrets:
British newspapers no longer feel they must treat the royal family with discretion.
3

discretion is the better part of valour

used to say that it is better to be careful than to take unnecessary risks
Definition from the Longman Dictionary of Contemporary English
Advanced Learner's Dictionary.

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