French Conversation · Level 117
58 words
French word
discrétion
Pronunciation
IPA/diskʁesjɔ̃/
Meaning
- feminine noundiscretion
Example
Il manque de discrétion quand il parle.
He lacks discretion when he speaks.
More examples
C'est une question de discrétion.
It's a matter of discretion.
Core concept
A careful speaker draws a boundary around personal details and does not let them cross into conversation.
Common phrases
une question de discrétion
a matter of discretion
Similar words
réserve: A restrained attitude that keeps feelings and thoughts from being openly expressed.
tact: Consideration in choosing words and actions to avoid making others uncomfortable.
retenue: Calm self-control that holds back emotions and words.
Definition in French
Comportement marqué par la réserve et la confidentialité, évitant d'exposer des détails personnels.
Word origin
Discrétion is an inherited French development from Old French discrecion and Latin discretio, whose sense of discernment led to the modern idea of restraint.
Usage tips
- Manquer de discrétion means to be indiscreet or to reveal private information carelessly, so manquer de takes the noun directly.
Other meanings
- modestynoun
- prudencenoun
- confidentialitynoun
Opposites
- indiscrétionindiscretionnoun
Related words
- discretdiscreetadjective
- discrètementdiscreetlyadverb