Discretion Definition

The word discretion derives from the word discrete, meaning to operate in a way in which surrounding parties are unclear of information that is deemed private, revealing or, personal to someone or oneself. This can come in the form of physical or electronical writing (via note, social media or text), behaviors and actions (i.e. taking the back door rather than the front), or even verbally (face to face conversations). In addition, one should carefully think about whether one’s words or actions can have negative effect, as well as come back to haunt you. Lastly discretion is truly about one’s self -control and what one allows people to know that isn’t already public domain. Another component that is not deliberately stated, but goes a long way with being discrete is the power of ambiguity. Ambiguity in this case is related to language and is the ability to allow there to be multiple plausible interpretations of one’s response. With careful considerations of examples and acceptable responses, the key of discretion will be able to be carried out exceptionally. …show more content…
An example of a personal instance of discretion is when questioned about one’s whereabouts’, or what he or she is doing and responding “I am busy.” Saying one is simply busy applies to the term of ambiguity as mentioned before. By stating “I am busy,” it ultimately provides the questioner with insight without necessarily giving the full instinct of what one is doing. Another example of the use of discretion is when faced in circumstances in which your character is tried. A person may try to confront you in such a confrontational manner a may pull out the worst of you. You may even know information that is revealing and thus detrimental to their very existence, but with having discretion and caring oneself in such a manner the information may be