Discretionary

adjective (also occasionally adverb in technical/legal usage)

/dɪˈskrɛʃ.ən.ər.i/

Relating to powers exercised on the basis of personal judgment rather than on binding ministerial advice; under Article 163(2), the Governor may act in his discretion in certain constitutionally specified situations.

✍️ Usage in a UPSC answer

Because welfare schemes vest officials with wide discretionary powers over beneficiary selection, the absence of transparent criteria invites both arbitrariness and rent-seeking, underscoring the need for codified guidelines that confine administrative discretion within the bounds of natural justice.

Synonyms

optionalelectivenon-mandatoryjudgementalvoluntaryunrestricted

Antonyms

mandatoryobligatorycompulsorybinding

🌱 Word Family

discretion (n), discretionary (adj), indiscretion (n), indiscrete (adj), discern (v)

🔡 Root

Latin discrētiō = separation, discernment; dis- = apart + cernere = to sift; -ary = relating to

📜 Etymology

From Latin discrētiō ("separation, discernment"), from the past participle of discernere ("to separate, distinguish"), from dis- ("apart") + cernere ("to sift"); entered English via Middle English dyscrecyounne in the 14th century.

🧠 Memory Hook

Hear "discretion" inside it: a discretionary power is one left to your discretion (your judgement) — the cashier keeps a "discretion-ary" of funds to spend as she sees fit.

📝 Seen in UPSC Question Papers

Prelims 2014 — State Government

Real UPSC previous-year questions whose text uses “Discretionary” — proof this word earns its place on your list.

⚖️ Polity & Constitution 📖 Seen in: State Government — Governor, CM, State...

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