Discretion vs. Tact — What's the Difference?

Discretion has the meaning of acting on one's own authority and judgment. In law, discretion as to legal rulings, such as whether evidence is excluded at a trial, may be exercised by a judge.

Acute sensitivity to what is proper and appropriate in dealing with others, including the ability to speak or act without offending.

The quality of being discreet; circumspection

The sense of touch; feeling.

Freedom to act or judge on one's own

(music) The stroke in beating time.

(Archaic) The ability or power to discern what is responsible or socially appropriate

Sensitive mental touch; special skill or faculty; keen perception or discernment; ready power of appreciating and doing what is required by circumstances; the ability to say the right thing.

Individual justice from experience in quality of perception: discrete.

(slang) tactic

The quality of being discreet.

(psychology) A verbal operant which is controlled by a nonverbal stimulus (such as an object, event, or property of an object) and is maintained by nonspecific social reinforcement (praise).

The ability to make wise choices or decisions.

Propriety; manners (etiquette).

The freedom to make one's own judgements.

(psychology) To use a tact (a kind of verbal operant; see noun sense).

Disjunction; separation.

The sense of touch; feeling.

The quality of being discreet; wise conduct and management; cautious discernment, especially as to matters of propriety and self-control; prudence; circumspection; wariness.

The stroke in beating time.

Discrimination.

Sensitive mental touch; peculiar skill or faculty; nice perception or discernment; ready power of appreciating and doing what is required by circumstances.

Freedom to act according to one's own judgment; unrestrained exercise of choice or will.

Consideration in dealing with others and avoiding giving offence

Freedom to act or judge on one's own

Knowing how to avoid embarrassment or distress;

Refined taste; tact

The power of making free choices unconstrained by external agencies

The trait of judging wisely and objectively;