0
Kevin X Posted 19 years ago
Grammar

"I'd appreciate a little DISCRETION"

Hi,
According to dictionaries, the word "discretion" can mean either:
1. the power or right to decide or act according to one's own judgment OR
2. knowing how to avoid embarrassment or distress

What exactly does the following sentence mean?
"I'd appreciate a little discretion as opposed to a surprise office visit."

1. I'd be grateful if I had discretion on my schedule rather than disruption by such a surprise visit. OR
2. I'd be grateful if you had shown a little more discretion rather than paying me such a surprise visit.

Thanks!
  

Top answer

I'd appreciate a little discretion as opposed to a surprise office visit. This involves the second meaning regarding the avoidance of embarrassment. Perhaps the speaker feels uncomfortable when others visit him or her unannounced.

— CalifJim

  • I'd appreciate a little discretion as opposed to a surprise office visit.
  • This involves the second meaning regarding the avoidance of embarrassment.
  • Perhaps the speaker feels uncomfortable when others visit him or her unannounced.
  • CJ
Free · every Monday

Get the Weekly English Kit 📬

New words, one handy idiom, and a 2-minute quiz — delivered to your inbox to keep your streak alive.

2 Answers
0
I'd appreciate a little discretion as opposed to a surprise office visit.
This involves the second meaning regarding the avoidance of embarrassment. Perhaps the speaker feels uncomfortable when others visit him or her unannounced.

CJ
0
0
Thanks Jim!

How should I use the word to refer to the first meaning?
(I mean in this scenario.)
0

Related Questions