Both Uses of
discretion
in
1984, by Orwell
- There was something that he lacked: discretion, aloofness, a sort of saving stupidity.
p. 55.1 *discretion = good judgment
- It was an indiscretion, undoubtedly.
p. 230.9indiscretion = behavior that displays a lack of good judgmentstandard prefix: The prefix "in-" in indiscretion means not and reverses the meaning of discretion. This is the same pattern you see in words like invisible, incomplete, and insecure.
Definitions:
-
(1)
(discretion as in: It is within her discretion.) the right to make a decision (and perhaps accompanying good judgment)
-
(2)
(discretion as in: embarrassing lack of discretion) behavior that does not attract undesired attention or reveal private information
-
(3)
(discretion as in: Parental discretion advised.) good judgment or good taste