Skip to the word

Added 9 October 2026

discretionary

/dɪˈskɹɛʃən(ə)ɹi/ adjective

adjective Definition from WordNet 3.1, Princeton University. Pronunciation from Wiktionary, via Kaikki.org. More about discretionary at Wordnik → Where our words come from →

Having or using the ability to act or decide according to your own discretion or judgment.
The commission has discretionary power to award extra funds
(especially of funds) not earmarked; available for use as needed.
discretionary funds

Origin

From discretion + -ary (“pertaining to”). Compare French discrétionnaire.

From Wiktionary, via Kaikki.org (CC BY-SA)

Back to today's word