Indiscretion is a word that is pronounced /ˌɪn.dɪsˈkresh.ən/. The spelling of the word can be understood by breaking it down into smaller parts. The prefix "in-" means not, while "dis-" means not or opposite of. The root word "cretion" refers to creating or forming. Therefore, the word "indiscretion" means a lack of good judgment or carelessness in decision making. The spelling of this word follows the regular English orthographic patterns, however, it requires knowledge of the prefix and root word meanings to understand its phonetic spelling.
Indiscretion can be defined as a noun that refers to the act of lacking good judgment or deliberation, resulting in behavior that is careless, imprecise, or inappropriate. It involves making hasty or rash decisions without considering the potential consequences or negative repercussions.
In terms of personal conduct, an indiscretion often manifests as an error in judgment or a lack of prudence. It implies behaving in a manner that goes against social norms, moral standards, or established rules, often resulting in embarrassment, remorse, or damage to one's reputation. Indiscretion can range from minor lapses in judgment, such as sharing confidential information or making inappropriate comments, to more severe acts like cheating, dishonesty, or betrayal.
The term can also be applied to actions or decisions made in professional or public settings. It can refer to situations where individuals in positions of power or responsibility act carelessly or irresponsibly, disregarding the potential consequences for others. In such cases, indiscretion can lead to the misuse of resources or authority, compromising the trust placed in the person or organization involved.
Overall, indiscretion suggests a lack of discretion or thoughtfulness when making choices or conducting oneself. It highlights the need for careful consideration and reflection to avoid any harmful or undesirable outcomes resulting from impulsive or ill-advised actions.
Want of discretion; imprudence.
Etymological and pronouncing dictionary of the English language. By Stormonth, James, Phelp, P. H. Published 1874.
* The statistics data for these misspellings percentages are collected from over 15,411,110 spell check sessions on www.spellchecker.net from Jan 2010 - Jun 2012.
The word "indiscretion" originates from the Latin roots "in" meaning "not" and "discretio" meaning "separation", "choice", or "judgment". In Latin, "discretio" is derived from the verb "discernere", which means "to separate" or "to distinguish". Therefore, the etymology of "indiscretion" suggests a lack or absence of separation, choice, or judgment, typically associated with imprudent actions or remarks.