'discretion' originates from Latin, specifically the word 'discretio,' where 'dis-' meant 'apart' and 'cernere' meant 'to separate.'

'discretio' transformed into the Old French word 'discrecion,' and eventually became the modern English word 'discretion' through Middle English.

Initially, it meant 'the action of separating or distinguishing,' but over time it evolved into its current meaning of 'prudence or judgment.'