ETYM French discrétion, Latin discretio separation, difference, discernment, from discernere, discretum. Related to Discreet, Discern.
1. Freedom to act or judge on one's own.
2. Knowing how to avoid embarrassment or distress; SYN. discreetness, circumspection, prudence.
3. The trait of judging wisely and objectively; SYN. discernment.
Discreet behavior; prudence; freedom to act and make decisions.
ETYM Latin reticentia: cf. French réticence.
1. The quality or state of being reticent; reserve, restraint.
2. An instance of being reticent.
3. Reluctance.
4. The quality or state of being reticent, or keeping silence; the state of holding one's tonque; hesitating to speak or decide.