discretionary

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "discretionary" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used to describe something that is left to one's own judgment or choice, often in the context of spending or decision-making. Example: "The committee has discretionary power to allocate funds as they see fit."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Even if there were some unpredictable fluctuations in the demand for money, the resulting disturbances to nominal incomes would be much less, he believed, than would result from attempts at discretionary management by central banks.

The Guardian

The boost to household finances from low inflation is also flagged up on Wednesday by supermarket Asda, which found the average UK household had £187 for discretionary spending in April 2015, an extra £17 a week compared with a year earlier.

The Guardian - Business

Timing is a form of discretionary power previously held by the incumbent PM.

The Guardian

This would mean stopping payment of AA, which is not means-tested and is currently paid to 1.6 million people aged 65 or over at rates of £47.10 or £70.35 a week, costing £4.4bn, and converting it into a discretionary grant focused on those most in need.

The Guardian

Thanks to the Higher Education Act, the Department of Education DOEE) has the discretionary power to erase all federal student debt associated with Corinthian schools, and it doesn't need permission from a dysfunctional Congress to do so.

The Guardian - Opinion

A poll by consultants Deloitte puts discretionary spending at a three-year high.

The Guardian - Business

It said the BBC made further discretionary severance payments, such as compensation for terminating employees' contracts and car allowances, to 22 senior managers at a total cost of £510,000.

The Guardian

While central bankers in the 1970s and early 80s termed themselves "pragmatic monetarists", they remained determined to conduct monetary policy by discretionary variations in short-term interest rates.

The Guardian

Of 22 cases in which the BBC made extra discretionary payments totalling £510,000 the NAO said 16 were made as part of a "compromise agreement... to avoid possible disputes and agree mutually acceptable terms".

The Guardian

No alternative review mechanism was put in its place, but the justice secretary retained a discretionary power to release a prisoner in exceptional circumstances.

The Guardian

Cameron says this is exactly what the discretionary housing payments are for.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "discretionary" in financial contexts, clearly define the scope of the discretionary power, for example, "discretionary spending" or "discretionary investment authority".

Common error

Avoid confusing "discretionary", which means optional or based on one's judgment, with "discrete", which means separate or distinct. Using one in place of the other will change the meaning of your sentence.

Linguistic Context

The word "discretionary" functions primarily as an adjective, modifying nouns to indicate that something is available by choice or subject to individual judgment. Ludwig confirms this usage.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Formal & Business

25%

Science

15%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "discretionary" is a common adjective that describes something optional or subject to individual judgment. Ludwig confirms its correct usage, highlighting its frequency in news, business, and financial contexts. When writing, ensure you don't confuse "discretionary" with "discrete", and clarify the scope of the discretionary power you are describing. Consider alternatives like "optional" or "elective" depending on the context. Given its prevalence in various sources, Ludwig's analysis supports that using "discretionary" is generally appropriate and well-understood.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

at one's discretion

Highlights that the decision is up to the individual's judgment.

discretional

A less common synonym, maintaining the core meaning of choice.

at one's option

Similar to "at one's discretion", but focuses on the availability of an option.

optional

Indicates that something is not required but available if desired.

subject to choice

Emphasizes the aspect of choosing between options.

elective

Suggests a choice is available and one can elect to take it.

voluntary

Implies actions or decisions are made willingly and without compulsion.

non-mandatory

Specifically points out that something is not obligatory.

not required

Directly states the absence of a requirement.

permissive

Indicates allowing or not preventing; granting freedom.

FAQs

How is "discretionary" typically used in a sentence?

The word "discretionary" is typically used to describe something that is optional or subject to one's own judgment. For example, "The bonus is discretionary, based on performance."

What are some alternatives to the word "discretionary"?

You can use alternatives like "optional", "elective", or "voluntary" depending on the context.

What does "discretionary spending" mean?

"Discretionary spending" refers to government spending that is not mandatory and can be adjusted annually by Congress. This is different from mandatory spending like Social Security or Medicare.

What is the difference between "discretionary" and "mandatory"?

"Discretionary" implies a choice or option, while "mandatory" means required or obligatory. Therefore, "discretionary spending" is spending that is optional, while mandatory spending is required by law.