How to pronounce discretion
Say it like dih-SKRESH-un. Discretion has three syllables, and the main stress falls on the second one (SKRESH).
Click the play button next to American or British to hear how to pronounce discretion. Choose Slow to hear each sound clearly.
- dih
- SKRESH
- un
- Main stress
- Lighter stress
- Unstressed
Discretion pronunciation, sound by sound
Read the parts left to right, then blend them together without pausing.
- dihKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the "i" in sit.
- SKRESHSay this part loudest and longest. The vowel is the "e" in bed.
- unKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the relaxed "uh" in about.
American vs British pronunciation of discretion
American and British speakers say discretion in essentially the same way: /dɪˈskrɛʃən/ in the US and /dɪˈskrɛʃən/ in the UK.
British respelling: dih-SKRESH-un.
What does discretion mean?
- freedom to act or judge on one's own
- knowing how to avoid embarrassment or distress“the servants showed great tact and discretion”
- refined taste; tact
Where does discretion come from?
From Middle English discrecioun, from Old French discretion, from Late Latin discrētiō, from Latin discerno.
Words that rhyme with discretion
Practicing rhymes is a quick way to lock in the vowel sound of discretion.
Questions about saying discretion
How do you pronounce discretion?
Say dih-SKRESH-un. The American pronunciation is /dɪˈskrɛʃən/. In British English it is /dɪˈskrɛʃən/. Press play above to hear it at normal speed or slowly.
How many syllables are in discretion?
Discretion has three syllables, and the main stress falls on the second one (SKRESH). Broken into parts: dih · SKRESH · un.
Do Americans and Brits say discretion the same way?
Almost exactly. The American form is /dɪˈskrɛʃən/ and the British form is /dɪˈskrɛʃən/, so you can use either pronunciation with any listener.