All 5 Uses of
discretion
in
Jane Eyre
- they will feel, too, that you listen with no malevolent scorn of their indiscretion, but with a kind of innate sympathy;
p. 159.6indiscretion = poor 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.
- The confidence he had thought fit to repose in me seemed a tribute to my discretion: I regarded and accepted it as such.
p. 171.3 *discretion = good judgment
- What if a former caprice (a freak very possible to a nature so sudden and headstrong as his) has delivered him into her power, and she now exercises over his actions a secret influence, the result of his own indiscretion, which he cannot shake off, and dare not disregard?
p. 182.4indiscretion = poor 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.
- I wish to remind you that it was you who first said to me, with that discretion I respect in you — with that foresight, prudence, and humility which befit your responsible and dependent position — that in case I married Miss Ingram, both you and little Adele had better trot forthwith.
p. 289.7discretion = good judgment
- One never knows what she has, sir: she is so cunning: it is not in mortal discretion to fathom her craft.
p. 338.8 *discretion = ability
Definitions:
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(1)
(discretion as in: It is within her discretion.) the right to make a decision (and perhaps accompanying good judgment)
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(2)
(discretion as in: embarrassing lack of discretion) behavior that does not attract undesired attention or reveal private information
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(3)
(discretion as in: Parental discretion advised.) good judgment or good taste